Runcorn Linnets v. Witton Albion

Witton kick off the new year as they did twelve months ago with a short trip to neighbours Runcorn Linnets in a Northern Premier League West Division fixture.

Ben Harrison’s team go into the game following two excellent results against Chasetown and Nantwich Town respectively, which has seen them climb to mid-table.

Linnets go into the game sitting in fifth place in the table and have only suffered one defeat in their last six league games.

Their last three games have seen them pick up seven points with two wins and a draw, they haven’t conceded a goal in those games.

Witton’s last three games have seen two wins and a defeat but, the last two have seen them find their scoring boots with eight goals.

The two league meetings between the two last season, saw Witton complete the double over their Cheshire neighbours, winning both games 4-0.

A Joe Duckworth brace helped Albion secure the points in the game at the U Lock It Stadium, whilst player manager Ben Harrison set Witton on their way with the opening goal a year ago at the APEC Taxis Stadium in the return fixture.

Runcorn have assembled a strong squad this season with a number of players who have played for both clubs notably, experienced striker Scott Bakkor who has been instrumental in Linnets progress this season.

They also have defender Joe Ferguson and midfielder Lewis Doyle who have donned the red and white stripes but although the loss of James Short due to injury has been a blow, they have filled the gaps when required and adapted accordingly.

A tough game is to be expected but Witton will be looking to continue in the same manner in which they ended the last year.

Kick off at the APEC Taxis Stadium is 3pm.

RUNCORN LINNETS FC,
THE APEC TAXIS STADIUM,
STOCKHAM LANE,
MURDISHAW,
RUNCORN,
CHESHIRE
WA7 6GJ.

Directions: Follow Runcorn Road/A533 for 6.6 miles. At Whitehouse Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Chester Road/A533 and contine to follow A533. Parts of this road maybe closed at certain times or on certain days. After 0.4 miles on approaching the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Murdishaw Avenue and continue for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Stockham Lane - Restricted-usage road. The football stadium will be on the left after 486 ft. (Total Distance - 11.0 miles).

Parking: There is a Car Park next to the stadium.

Admission is by way of Card & cash payments at the turnstiles.

Tickets can also be purchased ahead of the game online @ https://runcornlinnetsfc.ktckts.com

Admission Prices: Adults: £11, Concessions(65 & Over): £8, 18 Years old and Under: £2.

Matchday Programme: The matchday programme is available in digital format only.

Social Club: The Clubhouse is inside the stadium. The Bar will be open from 1pm.

Alcohol is permitted inside the stadium but MUST be in a plastic beaker.

Refreshments: The Tea Bar is located inside the Clubhouse.

Toilet Facilities: There a Toilet facilities inside the clubhouse Including wheelchair accessible toilet facilities.

CJ Posted.

A great day in prospect at Runcorn and it is always a tough place to go!

Team wise unless injuries or unavailability, hard to change the team but maybe like to see Christy Edwards start!

Terry

Walls, Ebhote, Bleta, Damola Sotona

Edwards, Lawrie, Bairstow

Duckworth, Garbutt, Hoyle.

Good luck lads. UTA

Full match commentary will be available on https://radio-witton.mixlr.com with Iain Wright and the team from 2.45pm

Match updates will be available on X @WittonAlbion and will also appear on here as and when they become available.

Witton team news & latest score updates will appear here as and when they become available.

Team news: Witton name an unchanged starting line-up that beat Nantwich Town on Boxing Day. Ben Dufton-Kelly returns from injury and replaces Adam Bott on the bench who is unavailable.

Witton team:

Cameron Terry, Jack Walls, Joel Bembo-Leta, James Lawrie, Damola Sotona, Geffry Ebhote, Joe Edwards, Alfie Bairstow, Joe Duckworth, Freddy Garbutt, Tom Hoyle.

Subs: Ben Dufton-Kelly, Deji Sotona, Ben Lowe, Aaron Fleming, Christy Edwards.

Linnets have one-time Witton loanee right back Joe Ferguson and striker Scott Bakkor in their starting line-up, whilst another former Witton loanee Lewis Doyle and Lewis Crane, son of former Albion midfielder Peter Crane and nephew of Albion legend Mike Moseley are amongst their substitutes.

Latest Score from The APEC Taxis Stadium:

Runcorn Linnets 0 Witton Albion 0.

10 minutes played.

15 minutes played - Still goalless.

Linnets Naim Arsan shoots high and wide of the target on 19 minutes.

Latest Score from The APEC Taxis Stadium:

Runcorn Linnets 0 Witton Albion 0.

20 minutes played.

GOALLLLL

Latest Score from The APEC Taxis Stadium:

Runcorn Linnets 0 Witton Albion 1.

Freddy Garbutt gives the Albion the lead heading home from a corner on 22 minutes with his thirteenth goal of the season.

1 Like

Yellow card:

Runcorn Linnets Matthew Rain on 26 minutes.

30 minutes played - Witton still lead courtesy of Freddy Garbutt’s goal.

GOALLLLL

Latest Score from The APEC Taxis Stadium:

Runcorn Linnets 0 Witton Albion 2.

Freddy Garbutt gets his and Witton’s second on 32 minutes - sliding home from close-range following Alfie Bairstow’s pass.

1 Like

40 minutes played - Albion still lead courtesy of Freddy Garbutt’s double.

Half Time Score from The APEC Taxis Stadium:

Runcorn Linnets 0 Witton Albion 2.

A great first half for Witton and Freddy Garbutt.

Today’s Attendance: 854.

Yellow card:

Runcorn Linnets Harvey Washington on 54 minutes.

Latest Score from The APEC Taxis Stadium:

Runcorn Linnets 0 Witton Albion 2.

60 minutes played.

Linnets keeper Bayleigh Passant denies Tom Hoyle with an excellent save on 61 minutes.

Yellow card:

Runcorn Linnets Scott Bakkor on 71 minutes.

GOALLLLL

Latest Score from The APEC Taxis Stadium:

Runcorn Linnets 0 Witton Albion 3.

Joe Edwards adds Witton’s third on 76 minutes following Alfie Bairstow’s burst through the middle.

GOALLLLL

Latest Score from The APEC Taxis Stadium:

Runcorn Linnets 0 Witton Albion 4.

Freddy Garbutt completes his hat-trick on 78 minutes for his fifteenth goal of the season - heading home Joel Bembo-Leta’s cross.

1 Like