History on Linnets' side in steel city as Stocksbridge await

Linnets make a maiden visit to Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday, Sheffield the destination for an Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Qualifying tie.

It's not our first trip to the historic footballing city as we played at Sheffield FC in October 2020, also in the Trophy, and before that went to Hallam in the FA Cup in August 2018. Both matches resulted in Runcorn victories.

While Sheffield FC are regarded as the world's first football club and Hallam's ground is officially the oldest, Stocksbridge are relatively new.

They were formed in 1986, 20 years before us, with the merger of a steelworks team Stocksbridge Works (who owned the ground) with Oxley Park.

They play in the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League after one season back in the Premier Division.

Michael Ellison has hinted that there will be some mixing and matching with a league game at Prescot Cables on Bank Holiday Monday to think about - especially as several players are carrying knocks.

There is a chance of a first campaign appearance for Sean Miller after his summer hernia surgery but he will need to be eased back into action.

The tie will be played to a finish. If level at 90 minutes, it will go to penalties.

Stocksbridge Park Steels v RUNCORN LINNETS

Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Qualifying

Saturday, August 29th 2026, ko 3pm

Bracken Moor, Bracken Moor Lane, Stocksbridge, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S36 2AN

Admission

£12 adults, £8 for concessions, £5 for under-16s (when purchased with an adult ticket).