Back on on road with an M6 mission

Chasetown v Runcorn Linnets

Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division

Saturday, January 17th (ko 3pm)

The Scholars Ground, Church Street, Chasetown, Burntwood, Staffordshire, WS7 3QL,

Linnets are on the road for a second successive weekend - this time taking on one of their longest trips on the M56 to South Staffordshire

The excellent set-up at Chasetown has been a happy hunting ground as we have won on all three previous trips to the Scholars ground.

Our first was under Michael Ellison in our first NPL season when we returned as 2-1 West Division winers on Saturday, December 15th 2018.

Chasetown were moved laterally at the end of that season into the now defunct South East Division, where they spent the two Covid-curtailed campaigns.

They then had two seasons in the Midland Division, finishing fourth and sixth before reverting to the West, so far achieving 11th and fourth positions - meaning that we would not return to Chasetown until two days before Christmas 2023.

Last season saw us triumph 3-2, thanks to a dramatic last-minute winner rom Lewis Crane. It was his first senior goal for Linnets to which he has added eight so far in 2025-26.

Our hosts reached last season's Play-off semi-final, losing at Congleton, 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. 

But, in common with Linnets, they won their home county cup for the first time, defeating Rushall Olympic in the Staffordshire final 4-1.

Their defence of the trophy ended with defeat on Tuesday at home to Leek Town, who scored late on for a 2-1 win.

Ello has fielded vastly-different line-ups in his two games so far - both bringing victories in the league and Liverpool Senior Cup.

 As he gets to know players a little better, it will be fascinating to see what team he selects this time for a difficult clash.

Past visits

Flashback to 2018 as we take the field on our maiden viisit to Chasetown under Ello in 2018. Pictures by James Eastup

Saturday, December 15th 2018

Chasetown 1

Tom Hill 35 mins

Runcorn Linnets 2

Kurt Sherlock 2 (including one pen)

Attendance: 178.

This match marked the debut at right back of Matt Russell (ex Glossop North End) - the first of his six Linnets  appearances - and followed August's 2-1 home win against the Scholars, which had brought our first NPL points in the second game of the season.

Chasetown finished with eight men, after three red cards, and Kurt Sherlock with two goals, including a penalty) before being stretchered off.

LINNETS TEAM: Dylan Forth, Louis Corrigan, Aaron Morris,  Peter Wylie, Matt Russell, Josh Dobie, Kurt Sherlock, Kyle Hamid (capt), Freddie Potter, Ryan Gibson, Zac Aley. Subs: Bobby Evans, Ronnie McCarthy. Not used: Jack Hinnigan, Danny O'Brien, Kris Holt.

Saturday, December 23rd 2023

Chasetown 0

Runcorn Linnets 1

Joe Lynch 37 mins

Attendance: 518.

Saturday, February 22nd 2025

Lewis Crane struck a dramatic late winner with his first senior goal for Linnets. He has added eight more so far in 2025-26.

Chasetown 2

Jack Langston 23 mins, 58 mins (pen)

Runcorn Linnets 3

Lewis Doyle 14 mins, Luke Wall 52 mins, Lewis Crane 89 mins

Attendance: 470

Form guide

As a result of Avro's 1-0 defeat at Darlastin Town on Saturday, Chasetown hold second spot in the NPL West form table with four wins, one draw and a defeat in their last six games - compared to Linnets' three wins, one draw and two defeats. We have the 10th best recent record of the 22 teams but are fourth in the overall standings with Chasetown lying eighth.

The Scholars overall home record in the league is W8, D3 L2 F24 A10.

Their highest victory of the campaign at the Scholars Ground is 4-1 versus Stafford Rangers (November 22nd) and their heaviest defeat 5-2 by Vauxhall Motors (October 11th).

We secured our fifth away win in NPL West against Vauxhall last time out to add to five draws and three losses.

Last Saturday's 3-1 victory was the highest-scoring league performance on our travels - our third away win by a two-goal margin, following 2-0 triumphs at Atherton Collieries (August 9th) and Nantwich Town (November 18th).

How to get there

Postcode for the ground is WS7 3QL.

By road - the following travel details for road and rail are taken from the Northern Premier League handbook

M6 TOLL (Jn T6 - A5195 Brownhills/Burntwood exit) - after toll booth, at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A5195.

Travel under the bridge and at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto Ogley Hay Road.

At the next roundabout take the 1st exit again, onto Hanney Hay Road then becoming Highfields Road. At the mini-island, go straight ahead into Church Street past the Uxbridge Arms pub on right.

Immediately after the church/school, take the right fork and head up to the Scholars Ground on the left.Enter via second gated entrance to car park.

By train - The nearest station are Cannock (WS11 0EG) and Lichfield City (WS13 6HX), both approximately six miles from the Scholars Ground. An onward journey via bus or taxi is required.

Alternative directions as published  Chasetown FC's website

Admission

Adults - £10

Concessions - £8*

Under 18s - £5

Under 10s - Free

* Concessionary rate is for supporters aged 60 and over

* Under 10s must be accompanied by an adult.