Linnets looking to headline at Gigg
- dbettley
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Bury v RUNCORN LINNETS
Tuesday September 9th 2025, ko 7.45pm
Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division
Gigg Lane, Bury, BL9 9HR.
History trail
Bury FC are the biggest-name opposition Runcorn Linnets will have ever faced in a competitive match and fans will be looking forward to visiting Gigg Lane for this slightly-delayed first ever meeting, despite a tinge of disappointment that the fixture has landed in midweek.
Our destination has been home of the Shakers since formation in 1885, election to the Football League following in 1894.
Twice winners of the FA Cup (in 1900 and 1903), the club spent 17 seasons in the top-flight of English football from 1895-96 and a further five before a second relegation in 1928-29.
They were champions of the old Third Division in 1960-61 and spent two seasons in the then second-tier Division One (pre-EFL Championship) after promotion as Division Two champions in 1996-97. The Bury team in that era featured former Runcorn AFC stars Mark Carter and David Pugh.
The club's long association with the professional game ended with expulsion from the EFL in the summer of 2019 after a failed takeover. They had finished as runners-up of EFL Two the previous season.
There followed a four-year hiatus with phoenix club Bury AFC spending three seasons in North West Counties League, playing home matches at neighbours Radcliffe FC.
Football returned to Gigg Lane after the complicated merger of two supporters associations, bringing a return to the footballing map for one of the game's most historic clubs - under fan ownership.
Bury opened the new chapter in 2023-24, finishing third in NWCL Premier Division but missing out on promotion through the Play-offs.
However, success came second time around, 109 points from 46 games (with only three defeats), earning them the championship and an NPL place.
Team news
Bury boss Dave McNabb (the former Warrington Rylands, Macclesfield and Bootle manager), has carried out a mini overhaul of his squad with seven arrivals and six departures in pre-season.
The newcomers bring experience of Step 4 and above. They are:
Left back Scott Duxbury from National League North side Radcliffe.
Midfielder Regan Riley, who is on loan from the same club
Gabriel Johnson, a centre forward joining from Guiseley
Centre midfielder Kieran Glynn, formerly with National League North side Hereford
Defensive midfielder Callum Spooner from NPL Premier Division Hyde United
Centre back Louis Isherwood, an NPL West title winner with Widnes in 2024-25.
Attacking midfielder Owen Robinson, brought in from Marine of National League North.
Striker Kai Evans from Nantwich Town.
A more recent acquisition is seasoned striker Gavin Massey.
The 32-year-old joins after leaving AFC Fylde in the summer, bringing more than 400 EFL aappearances. He has also served Watford, Colchester United, Leyton Orient and Wigan Athletic.
Of the leavers, centre forward Reuben Jerome who Linnets fans will recall from his time at Workington, has stayed in NPL West with Stalybridge.
After Saturday's win on penalties in the Isuzu FA Trophy Adam Rooney (above) and Scott Bakkor (who has scored in seven consecutive games) are the only outfield players to have started every Runcorn match this season.
Both face fitness checks having gone off with injuries.
Goalkeeper Bayleigh Passant, hero of the shootout against Garforth Town with his two saves and left back Matty Rain, who came off the bench for the second half, have also made the maximum eight appearances.
Oskar Rosenblatt made his debut as a substitute. He is the 21st player to have taken the field for Brad Cooke's side this season.
Jorge Dwyer's first start of the campaign on Saturday was the seventh of his Linnets career.
Form guide
Despite multiple selection problems, the team has passed the test so far, remaining unbeaten with two wins and two draws in the league while negotiating three FA Cup ties as well as the weekend's Isuzu FA Trophy match.
Bury have had a mixed start but have won three of their first five home matches in all competitions. Their two losses at Gigg Lane have been to Stalybridge Celtic - in the Emirates FA Cup preliminary round and shortly after in NPL West, both by 2-0 margins.
The Shakers beat visiting Wythenshawe Town 3-1 on Saturday in the Isuzu FA Trophy.
How to get there
BY CAR - Postcode for the ground is BL9 9HR.
BY TRAIN - There are trains from Runcorn East to Manchester Piccadilly throughout the afternoon and into early evening at 11minutes past the hour. Other trains stop at Manchester Victoria. There are frequent trams from both Picacdilly and Victoria to Bury. It is a 10-15 minute walk from Bury Metrolink station to Gigg Lane.
Trams run until midnight. Last trains from Piccadilly to Runcorn East for the homeward journey are timetabled for 23:37 on matchnight and 00:24 on Wednesday (20th).
The above information is for guidance only - please be sure to check schedule information, duration of journeys and choose preferred route before travelling by train/tram.
Admisson
The entrance for away fans is turnstile 7 for Seats in Blocks H & I of the main stand.
Advanced tickets can be purchased for the main stand from www.buryfc.co.uk/tickets/
However, this may change depending on the number of away fans.
There will be cash and contactless payments available for those buying tickets on the night.
Prices are:
Adults - £12
Disabled (with carer) - £12 (£6 each)
Military Veterans - £6 on production of HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
16-18-year-olds - £5
Under 16s -£3 (children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult)
Under 5s – Free
Bury ask fans not to be offended if they are asked to provide proof of age
Live stream
The hosts are live streaming the game for anyone unable to attend.
Tickets for the stream can be purchased from late morning on the day of the match.
The price is £7.29 (inc. VAT & fees).
Car parking
The on-site car park opens from 6pm for midweek fixtures, with remaining spaces charged at £5 per car and available on a first-come, first-served basis. This will be CASH ONLY with the correct money if possible.
Parking will also be available in residential areas surrounding the ground. Supporters are requested to be considerate of local residents while also being aware of areas, where parking permits are in operation.
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