LINNETS have mixed news on the injury front ahead of Saturday's visit to Eccleshall.

Winger Andy McCoy may not be sidelined for as long as first feared after standing on a nail at work.

It was thought he could be absent for six weeks but the key winger may only be out for a fortnight after missing the weekend's disappointing 1-1 draw at Holker Old Boys in North West Counties League Division Two.

Secretary Tony Waddington said: 'The injury is nowhere near as bad as we thought.

'The foot hasn't become infected and Andy could well be up in contention in two weeks.'

However, defender James 'Dixie' Deane - having dislocated a shoulder inside eight minutes of his first Linnets appearance as a sub in the pre-season friendly against Rhyl - has suffered a recurrence in training.

This is now likely to rule out any chance of his full debut until December.

Linnets have secured a two-year sponsorship with Lanarkshire-based Global Modular Solutions.

GMS are a major force in the relocation of modular buildings in Scotland and want to develop in Northern England.

Adam Grave, GMS director, said: 'I'm delighted to be sponsoring my home club Runcorn Linnets and hope that our involvement with the club enables us to give help to the newly-formed club in its attempts to gain its place on the football ladder as well as the local community where I lived for 18 years.' Replica shirts, in home or away colours, will be available from Monday at £25.50 for all junior sizes and £27.50 seniors.

In a special tie-up, Linnets will make a donation for every shirt sold through Halton Haven to the Run-corn hospice.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Westminster has accepted the position of club patron, saying he is 'absolutely delighted' to take on the role.

Linnets are to play in the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup and their first-round home tie against Witton Albion Reserves at Wincham Park has been put back 24 hours to Thursday, October 12.

The winners will be away in the semi-finals to Congleton Town or Lostock Gralam.

The next Linnets' committee meeting is on Tuesday at the Lion Hotel (7.15pm).

The Greenway Road pub will also stage a Sporting Dinner in aid of Runcorn Linnets on Saturday, November 11.

Ex-Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfieldman Ronnie Whelan is guest speaker with Hal Nolan providing the comedy.

Tickets are limited but available from the Lion Hotel at £35.

Monday's race night at the Cherry Tree pub raised £104 for club funds.