Runcorn Linnets' Player of the Year in their championship-winning campaign has agreed to return to the club as manager Michael Ellison looks to improve his team's defensive fortunes.

Paul Shanley scored for the Linnets in the 15th minute from just outside the 6 yard box with a well-struck effort. Clitheroe equalised in the 30th minute. Clitheroe went ahead in the 35th minute with a goal from Owen Watkinson. In the 38th minute the Linnets substituted Connor McCarthy for Jamie Rainford. Paul Shanley received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 39th minute. Clitheroe increased their lead in the 41st minute with a goal from Owen Watkinson. Louis Coyne received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 44th minute. At half-time the Linnets substituted Louis Coyne for Harry Cannon-Noren. At half-time the Linnets substituted Nick Ryan for Declan McGivern. In the 66th minute Clitheroe substituted Charlie Mulgrew for Hyuga Tanner. Peter Wylie received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 76th minute. Owen Watkinson received a Red Card for Clitheroe in the 81st minute. Ryan Wade put one past them after a lovely touch from the edge of the 6 yard box in the 85th minute. In the 1st minute of added time of the second half Linnets were awarded a penalty. Kurt Sherlock equalised in the 2nd minute of added time of the second half from a cracking penalty. Clitheroe scored in the 2nd minute of added time of the second half with a goal from Terry Cummings. In the 5th minute of added time of the second half Clitheroe substituted Connor Gaul for Paul Dugdale. In the 6th minute of added time of the second half the Linnets were awarded a penalty. In the 6th minute of added time of the second half Kurt Sherlock pulled level with a coolly taken penalty.

Match Report

Runcorn Linnets have signed attacking midfielder Jordan Wynne from Trafford.