Reusch Challenge Cup 2018 - Runcorn Linnets v Widnes
Fri 27th July 2018 | Match Reviews | By Ian Templeman
Runcorn Linnets will host Widnes in the traditional curtain raiser to the league season on Saturday, when the two teams compete for the Reusch Challenge Cup.
It’s the third time that the clash between the Hallmark Security League Premier Division champions and the Macron Challenge Cup winners has been staged, and it’s also the first time that both competing sides will be playing in the Evo-Stik League in the coming season.
Linnets were, of course, promoted as champions and Widnes as runners-up at the end of last season.
It’s also the first Halton derby of the season, with two more to come in the Evo-Stik League, and Linnets will be looking to gain some revenge after their local rivals completed a league double over them last season – two of only six league games that Linnets lost on their way to lifting the Premier Division title.
The opportunity to lift a piece of silverware before the season starts, coupled with local bragging rights at stake, should ensure a keenly contested encounter, and the view from both camps is that it has all the makings of a game to remember.
Runcorn Linnets Chairman Mike Bignall:
"A lot of our focus in the final game of last season was celebrating our title win, so it will be a nice chance for us all - and I am sure Widnes also - to reflect on our time in The Hallmark Security League and be able to say our farewells.
"The league has given us so much enjoyment over the last 12 years and through being accepted into membership back in 2006, we as Linnets fans got our football back and were able to return to town within four years with the opening of The Millbank Linnets Stadium."
Widnes joint-manager Kevin Towey:
“Saturday is a very proud moment for this football club.
“The past two years have seen the club rise from the Hallmark Security League First Division to the Evo-Stik League and the occasion is a perfect way to celebrate this achievement against our neighbours.
“The links between both clubs on and off the pitch are very strong and that makes for very healthy competition.
“Both games last season were an excellent standard and although we triumphed in both, anyone who saw the game at our place will know we had to ride our luck to back up our convincing win at their place weeks earlier.
“I think it's very fitting that the two best sides from last year’s Premier Division get the chance to face off, and both will want to add their honours list.
“Anyone who says they’re treating this as a friendly is lying. I know both sets of players and it's not in their make up to not give 100%, which gives us the ingredients for a fantastic game”.
The game at the Millbank Linnets Stadium kicks off at 3 pm, and will be played to a finish on the day. Admission to the game is by cash payment at the turnstiles, Adults £5, Concessions £3, and accompanied children admitted free.
Reusch Challenge Cup 2018 - Runcorn Linnets v Widnes
Fri 27th July 2018 | Match Reviews
By Ian Templeman
Runcorn Linnets will host Widnes in the traditional curtain raiser to the league season on Saturday, when the two teams compete for the Reusch Challenge Cup.
It’s the third time that the clash between the Hallmark Security League Premier Division champions and the Macron Challenge Cup winners has been staged, and it’s also the first time that both competing sides will be playing in the Evo-Stik League in the coming season.
Linnets were, of course, promoted as champions and Widnes as runners-up at the end of last season.
It’s also the first Halton derby of the season, with two more to come in the Evo-Stik League, and Linnets will be looking to gain some revenge after their local rivals completed a league double over them last season – two of only six league games that Linnets lost on their way to lifting the Premier Division title.
The opportunity to lift a piece of silverware before the season starts, coupled with local bragging rights at stake, should ensure a keenly contested encounter, and the view from both camps is that it has all the makings of a game to remember.
Runcorn Linnets Chairman Mike Bignall:
"A lot of our focus in the final game of last season was celebrating our title win, so it will be a nice chance for us all - and I am sure Widnes also - to reflect on our time in The Hallmark Security League and be able to say our farewells.
"The league has given us so much enjoyment over the last 12 years and through being accepted into membership back in 2006, we as Linnets fans got our football back and were able to return to town within four years with the opening of The Millbank Linnets Stadium."
Widnes joint-manager Kevin Towey:
“Saturday is a very proud moment for this football club.
“The past two years have seen the club rise from the Hallmark Security League First Division to the Evo-Stik League and the occasion is a perfect way to celebrate this achievement against our neighbours.
“The links between both clubs on and off the pitch are very strong and that makes for very healthy competition.
“Both games last season were an excellent standard and although we triumphed in both, anyone who saw the game at our place will know we had to ride our luck to back up our convincing win at their place weeks earlier.
“I think it's very fitting that the two best sides from last year’s Premier Division get the chance to face off, and both will want to add their honours list.
“Anyone who says they’re treating this as a friendly is lying. I know both sets of players and it's not in their make up to not give 100%, which gives us the ingredients for a fantastic game”.
The game at the Millbank Linnets Stadium kicks off at 3 pm, and will be played to a finish on the day. Admission to the game is by cash payment at the turnstiles, Adults £5, Concessions £3, and accompanied children admitted free.
