Big test awaits as Ladies return to home turf

Picture by Neil Thornton

Runcorn Linnets Ladies return to action after a week's hiatus by hosting high-flying Nantwich Town in the North West Women's Regional League.

The Division One South match at APEC Taxis Stadium in Sunday (ko 2pm) sees fourth-placed Linnets against the league leaders.

It follows on from Saturday's men's game involving the two clubs, also at Murdishaw.

This is the second meeting of the women's teams this season. The first in October saw Runcorn edged out 4-3 by a late goal.

Linnets have shown some better form since the turn of the year, having won two games out of two in 2026.

Both were away - against AFC Crewe in the league and Macclesfield in the GoCardless Cheshire FA Women's Cup.

Linnets will be looking to regain momentum on all fronts after seeing early-season promise being cruelly checked by an injury-hit late 2025.

Linnets will be buoyed by the return to form of Sophie Rotheram and Mollie Bennett, who last time out against Macclesfield contributed a hat-trick and a goal, respectively.

Captain Emma Mclarney could be in line for a return to action this week after injury while reigning Player of the Season Molly Hewitt (above) has this week returned to training.

Emma Smith has now recovered from a quad injury, coming through against Macc to provw her fitness and a capability to play more minutes.

Sunday's opponents arrive on the back of a convincing league win against the Silkwomen.

Linnets Ladies co-manager Tom Dyson (above) said:

"Last couple of games we have shown real grit and determination. We know the challenge that lies ahead of us on Sunday against a team, who have lots of quality and have recruited heavily and well this season.

"We have gained some better form recently and will be looking to continue this into the game. We hopefully will have some players back in contention to help bolster us for the challenge."