By Liam Price, photo by Jonathan White
The Dabbers need a win, and will try their luck again this Saturday (3pm kick-off) as Runcorn Linnets travel to the Swansway Stadium.
Runcorn Up That Hill
Once again the Dabbers find themselves facing a team in the midst of a new manager bounce. Runcorn hired Brad Cooke at the start of this month and the impact has been instant. A 1-1 draw at home to high flying Vauxhall was followed by a 6-1 thrashing of 1874 Northwich in the Cheshire Senior Cup in midweek. Cooke had a great run at Atherton Collieries as both manager and player and is said to have turned down multiple offers since leaving at the end of 2022/23.
If you extend Linnets’ form back before the first couple of Cooke matches, it’s 3 wins and 2 draws from the last 6 matches. There have been wins over Atherton and Newcastle in that time which has taken them a place above Nantwich into 7th in the NPL West and 5 points off the play-offs but they have played more games than those above them.
A further issue for Nantwich is that Runcorn have been very good away from home this season. They have 7 wins and 4 draws from 15 games away from the APEC Taxis Stadium.
Last Time We Met
It was a battling win for the Dabbers on the road in Runcorn in October as Kelvin Mellor’s early header was enough for a 1-0 victory. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
No one is streaking clear at the top of the Runcorn scoring charts, but the man currently top is in great form. Ryan Brooke has 8 for the season, 3 of which have come just in February. He scored in midweek and his stunning volley against Newcastle (which you can watch below) was worthy of winning any game.
A chip and a volley sees Brooke grab the only goal of the game for @RuncornLinnets at Newcastle@PitchingIn_ pic.twitter.com/oob33EeytB
— The Pitching In Northern Premier League (@NorthernPremLge) February 3, 2025
Former Dabber Will Saxon has 7 goals for the season. Peter Wylie will be suspended after being sent off against Vauxhall, he’s made 36 appearances this season. That’s one below their highest, Harvey Washington, who has been a rock solid presence at the back for Linnets.
Match Information
Tickets for this one are available online HERE, or on the gate with cash or card. It is £1 cheaper to buy online for each category than it is on the gate.
Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a lead.
Please use the parking provided. If you have to park on the street then please be respectful to local residents.