There was inevitably an emotional atmosphere but the mood was defiant if a little sombre as Runcorn Linnets held their first-team Awards Night, only hours after finishing the campaign with a third successive runners-up spot in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

Feelings were still raw after the disappointment of again missing out on promotion, despite totalling 98 points - Step 5 of the National Game System being the only level at which just the champions go up.

But manager Joey Dunn admitted he had been overcome by, and would never forget, the poignancy of the reception afforded to management and players on leaving the field at Padiham - the outpouring of emotion on and off the pitch proving once again how much the club means to everyone involved.

The Linnets will respond with typical spirit and determination. In the words of the manager: "We go again."

Despite the deflating events that had unfolded in the afternoon - a 4-0 win at The Arbories Memorial Ground not enough to lift the title as Colne's late 1-0 victory at 1874 Northwich secured the honours - there was no shortage of appreciation for the efforts of the playing, managerial and backroom staff at the annual presentation evening.

Centre stage went, deservedly and fittingly, to club captain and midfield anchor man, Michael Ellison, who announced his retirement from playing 'Ello' is, has been and always will be a hugely popular figure at the club and his efforts, exploits and cheerful personality will forever be remembered – thanks to him leading the club to its first winners trophy, the League Challenge Cup and his two long-awaited and much-cherished goals from well in excess of 200 appearances that are now legendary.

While the Linnets scored more league wins than any of their rivals this season, the principal playing awards went to central defenders, who have been pivotal to the division's best defensive record.

Michael White retained the Players' Player of the Year award while River Humphreys was clearly overjoyed to lift the Jimmy Lightfoot Trophy as the Supporters Club Player of the Year, following the customary poll of fans.

The other main Supporters Club award, for lifetime achievement at the Linnets, went to Trust secretary, Dave Bettley and was presented by the club chairman, Derek Greenwood.

Full list of winners:

Individual club awards

• President's Award (Leading goalscorer): Freddie Potter.
• Wilf Bettley Trophy (Goal of the Season): Kurt Sherlock, v Abbey Hey (A), NWCL Prem, Sept 8, 2015.
• Phil Tyler Trophy (Young Linnets PoY): Kyle Hamid.
• Ray Shingler Trophy (Home Player of the Year): Kurt Sherlock.
• Bill Philcock Shield (Travel Club Away PoY): Freddie Potter.
• George Worrall Trophy (Players' Player): Michael White.
• Vice-President's Award (Outstanding achievement): Michael Ellison

Supporters Club awards

• Jimmy Lightfoot Trophy (Supporters Player of the Year): River Humphreys.
• Noel Bell Trophy (Lifetime achievement): Dave Bettley.

Player landmark awards

• 100 appearances: Mark Houghton
• 100 appearances: Kyle Hamid
• 100 appearances: Adam Wade
• 200 appearances: Michael Ellison
• 250 appearances: Matthew Atherton (first player to achieve this with Runcorn Linnets)
• 5 goals in a game (equalling club record): Kurt Sherlock v Glasshoughton Walfare (H), FA Cup, Aug 18, 2015.

Club vice-captain Kyle Hamid also made awards on behalf of the players to club captain Michael Ellison on his retirement from playing and also to kit manager Paul Blundell and goalkeeping coach Lee Luscombe for their work in the backroom team behind the scenes.

Photos of the presentations can be found here.