Runcorn Linnets will look back on 2021-22 with a huge sense of pride, despite the heartbreak of missing out by a whisker on a place in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division.

The 16-year-old fans-owned club got to within 19 minutes of a third promotion after leading their home West Division Play-off Final.

Having led from the third minute through divisional Golden Boot winner Ryan Brooke's 34th goal of the season in all competitions, the Linnets fell at the very last hurdle as a powerful visiting Marine side scored twice in eight minutes to secure the spoils.

Disappointment at the result was clear but this in no way diminished the achievements of the club over a record-breaking campaign, which will long be remembered and savoured.

Nobody associated with the club will forget the moment at Prescot Cables when their play-off spot was secured, or the 4-1 win and stunning display in the semi-final at Leek Town.

It was a campaign in which new standards were set on the field while attendances soared beyond all expectations, crowd records tumbling at regular intervals. The Play-Off Final saw the Linnets take the aggregate attendance at their stadium past 100,000.

Tickets for the 1,600 sellout final, this a new club and stadium best attendance, were the hottest in town.

Linnets' highest turnout for a league game is 1,015 (for the final game of 21-22 versus Colne).

Late twists and turns in a tight race for the play-off spots had seen Runcorn achieve their highest ever Step 4 placing, against long-established clubs with bigger financial muscle. Runcorn were more than up for the fight.

It was a delight to be able complete the season and reflect in the traditional way on its highs and lows (although there were not many of the latter) after the two previous Covid-curtailed campaigns.

Having already laid firm foundations, young boss Calum McIntyre has slotted important building blocks into place, continuing to develop an excellent playing environment with his coaching skills, man management and meticulous attention to detail.

Our staging of the final at short notice has attracted a lot of positive comments as have the quality and performance of our team and the sportsmanship and behaviour of our fans.

We are already looking forward to welcoming back our fantastic supporters next season!