Runcorn Linnets hoping for perfect present on 20th birthday

Stalybridge Celtic v Runcorn Linnets

Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division Play-off Semi-final

Tuesday April 28th (ko 7.45pm)

Bower Fold, Mottram Road, Stalybridge, Cheshire

SK15 2RT.

Preview

In a quick turnaround from our home league meeting with Stalybridge the weekend before last, we go head to head with them again.

Twenty years to the day since our club was born, we aim to move a step closer to our third promotion, the second having been achieved on our12th birthday under the same manager.

The prize for tomorrow's winners will be a place in the Pitching In NPL West Division Play-off final against Avro or Lower Breck, who meet at Oldham in Tuesday's other semi-final.

We already knew ahead of the final matches of the regular campaign that Linnets and Stalybridge would meet at this stage of the promotion fight.

The matter outstanding was where the tie would take place, the answer coming at the weekend when both teams won.

Stalybridge therefore sealed third place, two points ahead of us. A club-record haul of 80 saw us come in fourth.

The Play-off final is on Saturday, May 2nd (ko 3pm), home advantage going to the higher-finishing semi-final winner.

History

This is our fourth appearance in the NPL West play-offs in five seasons after the heartbreak of losing in the final (twice) and the semi-finals.

Both our semi-final wins came away from home - against Leek Town.

It is the first time we have qualified under Michael Ellison, who is in his second spell as Runcorn manager.

Ello had steered us into the NPL as North West Counties League champions in 2017-18 and we came within a whisker of making the semi-finals the following season.

We finished sixth, missing the play-offs on goal difference to Ramsbottom United, and only three points off runners-up spot.

Stalybridge are competing in Step 4 Play-offs for the first time.

But they have experience of trying for promotion this way.

In 2007-08, they got close to a place in Conference National after finishing third in the North Division.

But on reaching the final, they were beaten 1-0 by Barrow.

Stslybridge are in their third campaign back at this level after relegations in 2016-17 and 2022-23.

Sixth position last season left them one place outside the play-offs.

We've met before

Stalybridge have had the better of this season's meetings.

They defeated us 1-0 at Bower Fold in November, courtesy of an Andy Scarisbrick goal from inside the six-yard box in the 25th minute.

The return at APEC Taxis Stadium 10 days ago saw Harry McGee, from just inside his own half, and former Celtic striker Scott Bakkor give us leads in each half.

But Stalybridge hit back both times to level at 2-2, through Jack Irlam and an own goal to take points off Runcorn at Murdishaw for the first time.

Prior to this season, we had won eight successive league and cup games against the Tamesiders in all competitions.

Our only previous defeat against them had come in the Cheshire Senior Cup at Bower Fold in March 2013, when 2-1 winners Stalybridge were in Conference North and Linnets in North West Counties League Premier Division.

How to get there

By car

From M67 Exit Junction 4. At the roundabout turn left onto the A57 Hyde Rd. At the traffic lights turn left onto B6174. At the mini roundabout turn left onto Roe Cross Rd which becomes Mottram Rd after the Waggon and Horses pub. Bower Fold is on the left opposite a sharp right turn next to the art gallery

By train

Stalybridge Railway Station can be accessed directly from Manchester Piccadilly/Victoria. From the station, the ground is a 30- inute walk or four minutes away via taxi. You can also catch the 237 bus from outside the station. This takes approximately six minutes and drops just outside Bower Fold.

Parking

A car park at Bower Fold is available to use on a matchday at no cost.

Should you require an accessible car parking space, email us at least 48 hours before the game at club@stalycelticfc.co.uk

Admission

Adults £12

Concession £10

16-17 year olds £8

14-15 year olds £5

Under 14s (accompanied by adult) £3

Tickets can be purchased at the gate but fans are requested to buy online in advance if possible with a bigger crowd than usual expected.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS.

Anyone requiring a carer ticket, please email finance@stalycelticfc.co.uk with your purchase request.

Stadium entry

Runcorn Linnets supporters should enter via the turnstile adjacent to Gymetc furthest from the car park entrance and in line with the Gym building.

Turnstiles are open from 6pm.