Runcorn Linnets will host Trafford in the Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup after the Greater Manchester side's 2-0 victory over Worsbrough Bridge in Barnsley this afternoon. The tie will be played at APEC Taxis Stadium on Saturday, August 22nd (ko 3pm), marking a return for Ryan Brooke and Callum Grigan to their former club.

File picture Vice-captain Peter Wylie made his 250th Runcorn Linnets appearance yesterday. It was the stlwart defender's 222nd start, adding to 28 outings as a substitute. Only Matt Athertin (313) and Kyle Hamid (261) have played more games in the Yellow & Green. Skipper Jacques Welsh's next appearance will be his 200th. He's on 178 starts + 21 sub. The attendance of 725 for the thrilling 4-2 league victory over Stalybridge was our highest crowd for a home game on the opening

Matty Whittingham enjoys his clinching goal Picture by Peter Gallagher-Headley Runcorn Linnets 4 Stalybridge Celtic 2 Report by Dave Bettley Runcorn wasted no time in posting their first victory of the season and yet this proved a long opening game. After being 3-0 up and coasting, Linnets were in grave danger as last season's Play-Off rivals Stalybridge pulled two goals back. But substitute Matty Whittingham signalled his arrival at the APEC by clinching the points with a se