Promotion push resumes against revitalised Rangers
Naim Arsan, an early scorer in our 2-2 draw at Stafford earlier this season, in action in our 2024-25 home game against Saturday's visitors. Pictures by Peter Gallagher-Headley
Runcorn Linnets v Stafford Rangers
Pitching In Northern Premier League West
Saturday, March 7th 2026
APEC Taxis Stadium, Stockham Lane, Murdishaw, Runcorn, WA7 6GJ.
Preview
A return to home turf after two weeks of travelling brings promotion-chasing Linnets' traditional Linnets rivals Stafford Rangers to APEC Taxis Stadium as we look to return to the winning trail.
Epic battles between Stafford and the original Runcorn club, particularly in the 1970s and '80s, bring memories of both pain and gain.
The modern-day rivalry under our new banner is still in its infancy but we are yet to beat the Boro (as they are known by their fans) in three attempts.
We will want to put that right on Saturday after dropping three points at Clitheroe last weekend.
The away fixture earlier this season was an opportunity missed as we surrendered a 2-0 lead for a second successive 2-2 draw on Stafford's ground.
Naim Arsan had scored in the first minute and when Markell Foulds doubled the lead from a late first-half corner, we looked to be on our way.
However, we allowed Rangers to strike back after the break when captain Andrew Burns and Joe Thomas scored to salvage a point for the hosts.
The corresponding home fixture last season was definitely one to forget.
Stafford went back to the county town with a 3-1 victory which marked the end of Antony Kay's time as Linnets manager.
Luke Wall had equalised for us in the 53rd minute, Zidan Sutherland having opened Stafford's account in first-half stoppage time but Kaiman Anderson (73) and Liam Brazier (90+2) secured the spoils for the visitors.
When we last met in October, Stafford were just ahead of us in the table but their season then descended into a struggle.
A recent revival with four victories and a draw has taken them clear of the relegation places.
Stafford, like ourselves, had a change of manager in the first week of 2026.
Graham Deakin was installed until tne end of the season after serving in predecessor Neil Kitching's backroom team.
Luke Wall was our sxorer in last season's corresponding home game.
Form guide
Linnets' fortunes have fluctuated of late.
We have lost two of our last six league games, away to Lower Breck and Clitheroe.
But immediately prior to our weekend defeat in Lancashire we enjoyed our biggest away victories of the season - at Shifnal Town (4-0) and Tranmere Rovers in the Liverpool Senior Cup (7-2).
Although 11th in the NPL form table covering the last six games - Stafford are eighth - we remain fourth in the league standings.
A midweek draw between fellow contenders Bootle and Vauxhalll Motors aided our cause.
We are unbeaten in five league outings at the APEC (six matches overall) since New Year's Day - our overall league record at the APEC being W10 D4 L2 F37 A20.
Only leaders Bury with 36pts from 16 games, (compared to our 34pts) have fared better.
Stafford are enjoying a run of improved form having gone six games unbeaten - their best results sequence of the campaign.
Draws in their last two matches - agaist Newcastle Town (away) and at home last Saturday to Sporting Khalsa - followed wins in the preceding four.
These included success in the Walsall Senior Cup at Coleshill Town plus league wins at their Stan Robinson Stadium against Dalaston Town and Shifnal Town and victory at Witton Albion.
Their away record in NPL West this season is W4 D3 L9 F17 A31. They arrive in 15th place.
Player to watch
Rangers' leading scorer is Jack Birch, whose 14 goals this season have come from midfield.
He joined Stafford in the summer after 12 years at Aston Villa before three seasons in USA with Greensboro Spartans.
On returning to the UK, Birch spent the end of last season with Halesowen Town.
Picture by Neil Thornton
How to get here
By car - postcode for APEC Taxis Stadium is WA7 6GJ.
By train - Runcorn is served by two railway stations, Runcorn (Liverpool Lime Street to London line, also with services from Chester and Birmingham) and Runcorn East (trains to and from Manchester, Chester and North Wales). Both stations are served by buses running close to the stadium, although Runcorn High Street bus station (10-minute walk) offers a wider choice for passengers using Runcorn Railway Station.
By bus - the ground is a short walk from the Runcorn Busway - alight at Orniston Bollingbroke Academy (Halton High School) and follow pathway on the opposite side of the busway from the school to Murdishaw Avenue and cross into Stockham Lane. Many local services (including Shopping City circular) run on the busway as well as those from Widnes, Warrington, Liverpool and Chester.
A local taxi service is provided by APEC Taxis (tel 01928 575757).
Parking
There is a large free car park on site.
Bar and catering
The licensed clubhouse bar offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcholic drinks while hot food, tea, coffee and soft drinks and confectionery are on sale from the tea bar.
Admission
Adult - £11
(£2 discount for Halton Leisure Card holders)
Concession (Over 65s) - £8
Juniors (18 and under) - £2
Tickets can be purchased in advance if desired.
