Old rivalry with a modern twist

Stafford Rangers v RUNCORN LINNETS

Pitching in Northern Premier League West

Saturday, October 25th 2025, ko 3pm

Stan Robinson Stadium, Marston Road off Astonfields Road, Stafford ST16 3UF

History trail

When Runcorn Linnets met Stafford Rangers for the first time last season, it renewed an old rivalry.

Stafford were arch foes of Linnets' predecessors Runcorn AFC.

The clubs were regular opponents from 1952-53 when Stafford joined Runcorn in the Cheshire County League through to 1994-95, the season that Saturday's hosts were relegated from the Conference. There Linnets took the drop to the NPL a year later.

There was a reunion in 2004-05 with the Linnets competing alongside Stafford in National League North as Runcorn FC Halton.

But the height of the rivalry was in the 1970s when Rangers prevailed against the Yellow and Greens in two epic and eventful FA Trophy semi-finals.

The first in 1975-76 saw star striker Trevor Finnigan being sent off in the second leg with Runcorn striving to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first at Marston Road.

Despite the best efforts of the 10-man hosts, the contest ended goalless with Stafford going on to Wembley while Runcorn finished as NPL champions.

Rangers lost the 1976 final 3-2 to Scarborough, another Northern non-league giant of that era.

The 1978-79 semi-final paired Runcorn with Stafford again.

This time, the first leg was at Canal Street, where an horrific leg injury to home 'keeper Grahame Lloyd led to England semi-pro international forward and future Linnets manager Barry Whitbread taking over in goal.

Stafford won 2-1 and Runcorn were unable to overturn the deficit, drawing the second leg 1-1.

The final saw Rangers defeat Kettering Town 2-0 to lift the FA Trophy for the second time.

Their first success had come in 1972 as they defeated Barnet 2-0.

Runcorn also met Stafford in the NPL Challenge Cup final of 1974-75 -  veteran frontman John Worth scoring the only goal of the home second leg as Linnets triumphed 2-1 on aggregate.

Ben Seddon, above, a stalwart Stafford defender of that era, turned from foe to favourite as a transfer to Runcorn aw him feature in the club's NPL and Alliance Premier League title wins in successivs seasons at the start of the 1980s. (Photo by W Leigh)

On our visit to Marston Road last season, Kaiman Anderson's equaliser for Stafford in the sixth minute of added time effectively ended our play-off hopes.

We. had scored twice in eight minutes through Eden Gumbs on the hour and Lewis Doyle to overturn a 50th-minute opener from Stafford's Scott Wara but couldn't hang on.

Anderson had already scored Stafford's second in January's 3-1 win at APEC Taxis Stadium in what proved to be Antony Kay's final game as Linnets boss.

Runcorn's Luke Wall (53 mins) had cancelled out Zidan Southerland's opener (45+2) but

Anderson (73) and Liam Brazier (90+2) settled the issue in favour of Rangers.

Form guide

Stafford's NPL results on home turf have been inconsistent with two victories, two defeats and two draws.

They haven't won at Stan Robinson Stadium in three league games, their last being a 2-1 victory over Nanttwich Town.

Stafford had beaten visiting Congleton Town 1-0 the previous week after losing at home to Avro on tne opening day of the season.

So far in October, Rangers have had goalless draws against travelling Bootle and Newcastle Town either side of a 3-2 home defeat by Witton Albion.

They last season finished  one place below Linnets in 12th, following relegation from the Premier Division at the end of 2023-24.

Across all competitions this season, Runcorn have won five, drawn two and lost one on the road but we haven't won an away league game since the opening day of the NPL season at Atherton Collieries.

Facts and figures

Picture by PETER GALLAGHER-HEADLEY

Tuesday's 4-1 win over Sporting Khalsa was our highest score in 21 league games under Brad Cooke.

The previous best return in the NPL since Brad took charge for the first time on February 1st this year was three.

We trebled up in victories against Chasetown ( 3-2, Away, February 22nd) Stalybridge (3-2, Home, March 22nd) and most recently Kidsgrove (3-0, Home, September 16th).

We have been more prolific in the knockouts, winning 6-1 in the Cheshire Senior Cup against 1874 Northwich on February 11th while beating Bury 7-0 in this season's Isuzu FA Trophy on October 4th.

We also had a 4-0 home victory over Tranmere Rovers in the Liverpool Senior Cup on February 26th.

The last time Linnets scored four goals in a league game had been on September 28th last year when Mossley were beaten 4-1 at the APEC.

Pictures by Kelly Jones from last season's game at Stafford.

How to get there

By car - From M6 Junction 14

Follow A34 (Stone) on dual carriageway to the second roundabout. Go straight over into Beaconside then third right into Common Road. Ground one mile ahead. Brown tourist signs mark the route from the motorway to the ground.

By train - there is a direct service from Runcorn to Stafford. You can plan your journey here.

Moovit gives local bus services passing close to Stafford Rangers Football Club as follows:

101, 8, 876, 8A, 11

Nearest bus stops to the ground are listed as:

• Northfield Village - 6 min walk,

• Gaol Square - 14 min walk

• Prospect Road - 14 min walk

Passengers should however consult local timetables or drivers.

Admission

Adult - £13

Concessions - £8

Students - £8

Under 16 - £4

There is an additional £2 charge for transfer to stand seating.

Parking

There is limited official club parking in front of the ground and plenty of nearby street parking - particularly in the industrial estate opposite.