Runcorn Linnets have swooped for two of the BetVictor Northern Premier League's highest-profile attacking talents with manager Michael Ellison hailing the new signings as "good business all round".

Ben Wharton has joined from Premier Division Radcliffe FC while Craig Lindfield has arrived at The Millbank from Marine.

Ben signed for Linnets just a day after Radcliffe announced that he had left the club.

The 29 year old, has made 263 appearances for the club and  87 goals make him the third top marksman in Radcliffe's history.

Ben made his debut in 2008, and returned in 2018 - engineering their promotion via the play-offs from the former Division One West.

His contribution to the team's success in 2018-19 season was immense.

He netted 24 goals in 43 appearances while also boasting eight assists and seven player of the match awards.

With one Football League appearance for Rochdale under his belt (in 2007), a subsequent semi-pro career has taken him to a number of clubs - including Northwich Victoria, Mossley and Warrington Town.

Craig Lindfield, 31, who had a cameo role in Radcliffe's promotion run last season, twice won the FA Youth Cup with Liverpool while gaining England Under 19s international honours.

On leaving Anfield in 2009, he made more than 100 Football League appearances for Macclesfield Town and Accrington Stanley.

Craig was in his second spell at Marine, rejoining them in July 2019 after serving a handful of non-league clubs, most notably  Chester in the Conference and FC United of Manchester.

Linnets manager Michael Ellison said: "Both Craig and Ben bring with them a wealth of experience.

"Ben is an out an out No.9 who is strong, physical and certainly knows where the net is.

"Craig is a versatile midfielder and a real technician.

"They will bolster our attacking options and come in at the right time after the disappointment of losing Connor Mcarthy to injury.

"They both had a number of clubs chasing their signatures.

"I'm delighted they chose Runcorn. It's a great bit of business all round."