As our youngest first-team player, 18-year-old Lewis Crane wants to carry on learning - but he already knows the way to goal

Lewis Crane set the benchmark with his scoring skills in our Under 21s last season and he will continue the transition to first- team level after agreeing terms for 2025-26.

He showed his aptitude in front of goal by netting an outstanding haul of 28 in 24 matches in Championship Division B of the North West Under 21s Development League.

It made Lewis the leading marksman in the division as Linnets won the league title to gain promotion and also the Championship B Cup

It's a big leap to Pitching In Northern Premier League West at Step 4 of the non-league pyramid but one he has embraced, albeit mostly in cameo appearances.

Of his 16 senior outings last season, only two were starts but every minute on the field gave the18-year-oold striker a chance to develop his craft.

He said: "While the Under 21s is a really good standard, playing in the NPL is another level completelty.

"The tempo and fitness are massively different and a challenge in itself.

"You have to be fit enough to still have the quality on the ball even after 90 minutes of hard running."

Lewis opened his NPL account in memorable fashion with a late winner at Chasetown.

It was an opportunist strike, which combined excellent anticipation, alertness and positional sense as he converted a cross with great aplomb; a classic poacher's goal.

Those who have witnessed his U21s performances will vouch for Lewis also having the other assets any frontman requires.

He leads the line well, links effectively with team-mates, holds the ball up, makes intelligent runs and can score with head or feet. He is also confident from the penalty spot.

All the signs are there that with time and encouragement, Lewis can take his burgeoning career to the next level, although he will still be eligible for the U21s in 2025-26.

He has already played North West Counties League football with Runcorn Town on dual registration.

Lewis is another local youngster with Linnets family connections.

He is the cousin of fellow first-team striker Adam Moseley and nephew of Mike Mosele - Adam's dad, who graduated from the youth set-up at predecessor club Runcorn AFC to play first-team football at Canal Street before enjoying a long and prolific time at Witton Albion.

Having broken into the first team in November, Lewis will go into the forthcoming. campaign with the benefit of a full pre-season of preparation.

Teenager Lewis Crane is learning from the division's best and there are none better than Linnets' record-breaking frontman Ryan Brooke.

He added: "I’m delighted to be staying with the club this season and looking forward to what this year brings.

"My goals personally are just to keep improving my game and learning from some of the best about at this level, and hopefully a few more goals in the process.

"And the goals as a team I think are obvious - to be challenging at the top end of the table and looking to win trophies."

Runcorn Linnets manager Brad Cooke said:

"Lew has really impressed me since I came into the club. He is a young player I rate very highly and he has a bright future in the game with all the attributes he needs to succeed.

"His goal scoring performances over the Under 21s are testament to that. He is a willing learner and me and Sadz (assistant manager Rob Sadler) look forward to working with Lew and helping him with his development.

"After getting a good taste of senior action last season, he is very keen to further establish himself at this level."

Pictures by Peter Cantwell.