Runcorn Linnets yesterday stoked up North West Counties League's Division Two promotion race, writes Dave Bettley.

They made a shock approach for Rob Hopley - leading scorer at title favourites Winsford United.

Linnets had already put in seven days on Warrington Town's equally-prolific marksman Neil Roberts, who has scored 21 goals for the UniBond League Division One club.

Both targets would need to make sacrifices to join - Hopley is a likely championship-medal winner at Winsford while Roberts would have to drop two divisions. But Runcorn see themselves as a club on the up.

And with his top scorer Thomas Lamb expecting at least a four-game ban after his second dismissal this season and the March 31 transfer deadline looming, manager Steve Carragher doesn't want to be left short of firepower in the run-in.

Hopley is a big target man with pace and skill and impressed as Winsford became the first and only side so far to defeat Linnets at Wincham Park.

He lies fifth in the NWC2 scoring charts with 21 in all competitions - separating 22-goal Lamb and Runcorn team-mate Dave Thomspon (20).

Earlier this season, Lamb was seen by Winsford as a potential strike partner for Hopley but rebuffed the chance to move to Barton Stadium.

Winsford beat Blackpool Mechanics on Tuesday to reclaim top spot from Linnets by one point with four games in hand.

Runcorn's next game is at home to New Mills on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).

Tickets for the club's St Patrick's Night disco at Halton village's Castle pub on Saturday (7.15pm) will be available at the door at £5 (includes buffet).

Earlier on Saturday, club officials will hold a publicity day in Halton Lea's town square.