RUNCORN FC Halton have handed keeper Robbie Holcroft a new goal after his remarkable exploits at Skelmersdale United.

The 29-year-old ex-Liverpool junior played more than 400 games for Skem - including 398 consecutive outings.

The amazing run ended in February 1 this year, when he was ruled out of a Marsden Trophy quarter-final tie by an ankle injury.

Holcroft had joined Skelmersdale for a second time in October 1996, having played one match for the Lancashire club three years earlier.

His long run of successive matches started in April 1997.

Linnets' player-boss Steve Carragher said: 'I have known Robbie for a while.

'He just fancied a change, a step up and a challenge.'

Holcroft started as a trainee at Anfield, twice being a substitute in European ties when Graeme Souness was manager.

He has also served Colwyn Bay, Droylsden, Accrington Stanley, Marine, Holywell Town and Stantondale.

Carragher added: 'Robbie's got a bit of experience behind him which will help in a relatively young side. He can handle his box and will talk, which is something we could probably do with a bit more of.'

Meanwhile, Runcorn signed two more midfielders this week - Darryl Allen, formerly with Bamber Bridge, and local lad Adam Hunter from Chester City.

A third could follow - the Linnets are talking to Ian McInerney whose dad Ian Snr made almost 100 starts for the club in the mid-1990s.

'There are still a few areas where we would like to strengthen a little more,' stressed Carragher.

'There will be possibly two more signings by the end of the week so, hopefully, we will go into the final week with what we are looking to be the full squad.'

Striker Lee Furlong and wideman James Locke have been on holiday while injuries to frontman Shaun Whalley (knee) and centre-back Anthony Hughes (hamstring) will be assessed in training.

But Runcorn enter their final friendly at Chorley this Saturday (3pm) hoping to have at least two of those players available - and with a 10-0 weekend win against their own U21s behind them.

The Linnets have agreed an undisclosed settlement with Southport for Matty McGinn, who has now signed a two-year contract at Haig Avenue.

Under the deal, the Linnets have a sell-on clause and will play a home friendly against Southport next pre-season. nRuncorn's game at Ossett Town on September 3 is likely to be switched to 1pm - to avoid a clash with England's World Cup qualifier against Wales (3pm).

MOND Rangers' proposed name change to Runcorn Town has been passed by the West Cheshire League, in which its two senior teams play.

The Altrincham League, which includes Mond's youth team, had already accepted the change.

Club spokesman Roy Roberts said the matter is now with Runcorn & District FA and, if approved at district level, the poposal will be forwarded to Cheshire County FA for their final decision.