Runcorn Linnets have been drawn at home to Prescot Cables in the first round of the Liverpool Senior Cup, this being our first ever tie in the competition.

Ties are scheduled for week commencing Monday, October 24th.

The winners will be away to Burscough or City of Liverpool in one of six second-round ties.

Everton and Tranmere Rovers will then join the tournament for the quarter finals.

Liverpool haven't entered.

Runcorn Linnets have strengthened their goal threat with the capture of James Hooper from Workington.

Linnets manager Dave Wild felt he needed extra scoring power to take pressure off player-assistant boss Jamie Rainford.

He believes that 25-year-old Hooper will be a big asset at the APEC Taxis Stadium.

The boss said: "James will be a really important addition to the squad.

"We have over relied on Jamie Rainford with regards to fire power and goals and although he is happy to carry that burden, it's imperative that if we are to be a success this year we have to be able to spread the wealth when it comes to scoring.

"James arrived with a wealth of experience and has qualities that will only enhance the group. I'm really pleased that he has agreed to join and I'm excited to watch him hit the ground running because I have no doubts that will be the case."

James joins only a week after  playing against us for Workington in the Isuzu FA Trophy.

It means that he is cup-tied and won't be eligible for our match in the next round at North Shields this Saturday.

He joined Workington in the summer from Atherton Collieries, making nine appearances for the Reds and scoring two goals.

James had launched his senior career with Rochdale, turning professional in 2015, after scoring 23 goals in 2014-15 season as youth team Player of the Season.

His two years on the staff at Spotland featured loan moves to FC United of Manchester and Stockport County.

James made two Football League appearances for Dale and one for Carlisle United before moving into non-league football with a return to FCUM.

James has also been at Radcliffe Borough, Salford City, Chorley, West Didsbury & Chorlton, Altrincham and Witton Albion.

We welcome James to Linnets and wish him a successful and enjoyable stay.

The Cheshire Senior Cup visit of Chester on Tuesday, November 1st needs to be rescheduled as Chester will now be playing in a rearranged National League North game that evening.

Meanwhile, Runcorn Linnets are delighted that our application to play in the Liverpool Senior Cup this season has been accepted.

This is our first involvement in the competition, although the original Linnets featured in it in their later years.

We will publish fixture information once the draw has been made.

We are sorry to report that midfielder Jacques Welsh is leaving Runcorn Linnets to sign for fellow Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division club Bootle.

Jacques has been an important player for us under the management of Calum McIntyre and now Dave Wild but has opted to join Bootle following their approach to the club.

Jacques has an association with the new Bootle manager Steve McNulty from their time together at Tranmere Rovers. The move to Berry Street Garage Stadium means he will also be playing close to home.

Jacques has been a regular this season, his third at Linnets, making eight starts plus one appearance as a sub.

He joined us from Flint Town in summer 2020 after being on professional forms at Tranmere.

He has made 50 starts for Linnets, the last of them in Tuesday's FA Trophy victory at Workington while appearing nine times off the bench. His tally of three Runcorn goals included one penalty.

While sad and disappointed to see him depart, Jacques has been honest with the club and our manager in reaching this decision.

We thank him for that and for his contribution as a player and wish him well for the future.

Runcorn Linnets have added 17-year-old goalkeeper Josh Roberts to the first-team ranks.

Josh, who becomes one of the club's youngest ever signings at senior level, plays for the Linnets Under 21s.

He has been with his hometown club since the age of nine, also having spells with Heath Rangers JFC and Everton.

Josh has represented Runcorn FA in Inter-District matches at County level. 

He has been working closely with the club's goalkeeping coach David Phillips and the Linnets' present No.1 Danny Taberner in training.

David Phillips said: "Josh has been working with me and Tabs now for a few months and he's settled in really well and I'm really pleased with his progression so far.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on him at his young age but I don't see why he can't be playing week in, week out for this football club in the future."