Runcorn Linnets FC

 I arrived in Manchester early doors for this one, not entirely sure where I would be going due to games being called off for waterlogged pitched. Had an excellent bacon and egg sandwich from Manchester Arndale Market, a regular stop off of mine. My first choice game was Maine Road vs AFC Blackpool but at 1130 that fell foul of the rain, so I bought my train ticket to Runcorn East and off I went to the Apec Taxi Stadium.

Runcorn always resembles a fondness in my mind, due to being the setting for hit comedy of its time Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, however upon arrival at Runcorn East, the walk to the stadium couldn't have been more bleak, I passed nothing at all along the mile long route to the ground other than a sort of private road way for buses which I've never seen before and seems a good idea. When at the ground I was surprised to see a Marstons pub, I went in for a j20 and watched some of the Villa vs Arsenal game to get out of the weather. There is also a subway and an aldi in this small complex.

Into the ground and I was very impressed with how organised they were, a very good club shop that was equally well stocked, a food hut, although it had no visible menu, I managed to get the last pork pie for £3.50 and wow was it worth it, excellent!

Onto the game and the opposition were Congleton, a bit of a local derby, they are managed by Richard Duffy, formerly a pro defender for Exeter. Runcorn showed their superiority however, letting a 2-0 lead slip to 2 each but gaining the lead 3-2 at the break. They were getting loads of joy down the wings where most of the goals came from, the Congleton right back getting a real ear bashing both from his team mates and Duffy, undeserved in my view as non of the others were fairing any better and it is a team game. Anyway second half Runcorn rode a bit of an early Congleton storm and added another 3 to make the final result 6-2. Attendance 502 on a wet, dark and miserable December day.

To get to the ground from Runcorn East it is a straight road up hill until you get to a roundabout, turn right then immediately left and the ground is in front of you, 15/20 minutes.

https://buymeacoffee.com/davidgroundhopper