Runcorn Linnets reunited with visiting Stalybridge in season opener

Runcorn Linnets will start the new season as we finished the last with only the ve ue changing as we prepare to entertain Stalybridge Celtic in our Pitching In Northern Premier League West opener.

It is a quick reunion with the club, which we met in a Play-off semi-final at Bower Fold back in April.

Chances of meeting Celtic first up were increased as there will be only three league games played on Saturday, August 8th due to FA Cup commitments and just six opponents were possible.

The Stalybridge game is the first of two home games to kick off the campaign with Bootle coming to APEC Taxis Stadium on the first Tuesday.

The month continues with visits to newly-promoted clubs Wythenshawe and Padiham before concluding at home to Lower Breck and away to Prescot Cables, who were relegated from NPL Premier in 2025-26.

We will encounter 1874 Northwich, who have jumped back up to Step 4 from the Midlands League Premier Division as Play-off winners, at Murdishaw in mid-October and for the first time welcome Lichfield City on the second Saturday in November.

Our inaugural visit to Lichfield, who have been laterally moved from NPL Midlands after finishing eighth in that division last season, is scheduled for the second weekend of January.

In a break from tradition there is no local derby on Boxing Day. Instead, we will travel to Kidsgrove Athletic before hosting Prescot in our first 2027 fixture on Saturday, January 2nd.

We are due to visit Lower Breck on Easter Saturday, March 27th and play the return against Kidsgrove at the APEC on Easter Monday.

The league campaign closes on Saturday, April 17th with a home game against Witton Albion.