A MASSIVE hike in rent has left Runcorn FC Halton needing to double their average attendance just to makes ends meet.

Chairman Dr Dave Robertson revealed Halton Borough Council have upped the rent by 20% - to £60,000 plus VAT - for the first 25 matches.

This will put even more pressure on the cash-strapped club and means increased support through the turnstiles and from sponsors is vital.

Dr Robertson told the Runcorn Supporters Club's annual meeting: 'We need at least 450 adults paying £7 for their attendance at every home game to meet the costs.'

Wages and other expenses, including travel, are on top of that.

Even so, there is a mood of renewed optimism with H2H business.net of Albert Road, Widnes, having taken over as the club's main sponsor, a strengthened squad and move into a new league.

'I am confident the quality of football that will be played next year will be a real attraction,' said the chairman.

'I don't think anyone can underestimate the importance of us being in Conference North. What is does throw up is a series of challenges. Other clubs in Conference North are looking at this as a training ground for the achievement of Conference standard. Many of them have an advantage in gates which far exceed ours.'

Runcorn have frozen admission prices for a fourth successive season and all Under 14s, including opposition supporters, will be admitted to league matches free with a paying adult.

The chairman paid tribute to the achievements of the team last season in 'extremely difficult circumstances'.

He said: 'We have achieved quite significant steps in strengthening the squad.

'I know Chris Lightfoot is really enthusiastic about the season as are his players. They can't wait for August 14.'

The club is seeking offices in Runcorn and has launched an Under-19s side in association with the former Oaklands JFC.

They have decided against running a reserve side but close links with Mond Rangers and General Chemicals will allow player movement between Halton Stadium and the two West Cheshire League clubs.

The Linnets have signed Robbie Moore, 27, from General Chemicals. The central defender or midfielder was a deadline target last season before being injured.

Runcorn won 3-0 at Heswall on Tuesday with goals from Ged Courtney (pen), newcomer Nicky Young and trialist Gavin Johnson.

They had opened with a 2-0 victory at Caernarfon on Saturday, courtesy of strikes by Courtney and Mike Garrity.

Lightfoot said: 'I shot myself in the foot a bit at Heswall. We've had a few trialists at training and I told them all to turn up and we ended up with 13 subs.

'I had to leave out Ged Nolan and Mike Garrity so we could play them all.' John Robertson (honeymoon), Matty Mc-Ginn (holiday), Peter Ellis and Kieron Durkan (both unavailable) and Lightfoot himself were the other absentees.

'We looked lively on Saturday - Lee Parle doesn't look like he's been away,' said Lightfoot.

'I was really pleased just with the players' attitude. They all worked hard and gave it a go.

'It was too easy last year. Lads were turning up knowing they were going to play because of the size of the squad. I don't want that this season - I want a situation where people are wondering are they going to get a shirt.'

Lightfoot is keen, subject to funds being available, to accommodate impressive trialists Carl Brown, a right-sided player released by Hednesford, and ex-Leicester City Matt Smith, who operates on the left.

Two fringe players, defender Scott Parkinson and midfielder Chris Tamm have been released.

Next games are Saturday, St Oswald's (at former Tetley Walker ground, Long Lane, Warrington) ko 2.30pm; Tuesday, North-wich Victoria (at Halton Stadium) ko 7.30pm; Thursday, July 29, Mond Rangers (at Pavilions, Weston Point), ko 6.45pm.