Linnets break new ground in the hope of settling a score

Shifnal Town v Runcorn Linnets

Pitching In Northern Premier League West

Saturday, February 21st 2026

The Acoustafoam Stadium, Coppice Green Lane, Shifnal TF11 8PD

After five home games in the last six we begun a sequence of three away matches in our next four.

The visit to Shifnal Town is one of two forthcoming fixtures on grounds, which are new to Linnets supporters - the other being  Darlaston Town, who we will visit in mid-March.

We will visit Clitheroe and entertain Stafford Rangers in between.

Fans with long memories will remember Runcorn AFC going to Shifnal four decades ago in the FA Cup.

The 3-0 Second Qualifying Round victory came in the 1981-82 Alliance Premier League title-winning season during a run which took Linnets to Burnley in the First Round Proper - the tie eventually being settled by a replay, which ended 2-1 in favour of the Clarets.

Back then, however, Shifnal were playing at Admirals Park and in that season, they won a second successive West Midlands League Premier Division championship but missed out on promotion to the Southern League due to ground grading.

The loss of the ground in 1985 at the expiry of their lease prompted a drop into the county league but after establishing and developing a new home at Phoenix Park, the club has worked its way back up the pyramid.

Promoted to the Northern Premier League for this season as Midland League Premier Division Play-off winners, they have held their own in the West Division but had a disappointing start to 2026.

The Shropshire club, based in a town with a population of around 10,000, inflicted our first home league defeat of the season in October - providing extra motivation for this return clash.

Shifnal ran out 2-1 winners, despite Sean Miller equalising from the spot in the second half.

Right back Josh Green won the game for the visitors with a stunning 25-yard free-kick after Kevin Monteiro had opened Shifnal's account in the eighth minute.

Form guide

Shifnal Town are without a win in seven games since defeating Congleton Town at home on Boxing Day.

They have since drawn twice but lost their last three NPL games, the 2-0 loss to leaders Bury on Tuesday being a third in succession on their own ground.

Two points from the last 18 leave them second from bottom in thr NPL West form table but still lie eighth in the league, having been as high as second. Over the season, they have won eight and drawn two out of 14 home games in NPL West.

Linnets have taken just one point out of six since defeating Chasetown 1-0 on February 3rd to go top of the division. We have now dropped to fourth, seven points behind table-topping Bury and three ahead if both Vauxhall Motors and Stalybridge Celtic. Bootle, having like Vauxhall played three points fewer than us, are a further point behind Linnets.

Our league record away from the APEC is W6 D5 L4.

How to get there

By road - Various routes are available but from M6 J15, take the A500 exit to Stoke-on-Trent/Stone/Derby A50 and after 0.4 miles at Hanchurch Interchange the third exit onto Newcastle Road/A519.

Continue for approximately 17 miles, negotiating four roundabouts. At the fifth roundabout, take the first exit onto Newport Bypass A41.

Proceed for approximately 6.5 miles and at the fifth roundabout (Pickmere Roundabout) take the third exit onto Watling Street (A5).

Continue for approximately 1.2 miles, turning slight left onto Coppice Green Lane.

The ground is on the right after approximately 1.7 miles but supporters should use the neighbouring Idsal School car park.

By rail - train services from Runcorn involve a change at Wolverhampton. For journeys starting at Runcorn East, there is an additional change at Warrington Bank Quay. Plan your journey here

Shifnal Railway Station is a 0.75-mile walk from the ground.

Admission

Adults: £10

Concessions: £7

11-18 Years £3

Under 10 Years: £2