IT would make one of those classic true-or-false quiz questions.

Have Runcorn ever beaten Manchester United?

Well - unlikely as it may seem - yes they have, and within a few months of formation.

The contest took place at Christmas 1918 - the Linnets were in their first season as a football club after switching from rugby league and the after-effects of World War One were still being felt.

With hundreds of sick and wounded soldiers needing care in the town, a fundraising match was arranged between the two clubs at Irwell Lane (Canal Street).

'The match was in aid of the Red Cross to help buy two badly-needed ambulances,' said local historian and keen Linnets fan Chris Darlington.

'Hundreds turned out to watch but were disappointed that United decided to play the new offside trap.

'They played one at the back, the player running forward every time Runcorn attacked.

'So the fame became all whistle - much to the frustration of the crowd who were expecting good attacking play from United.'

The Manchester team included eight first teamers, including Wolley, Buckley, Makin, Meeham, Rowe, Williams, Lee and Jones, with the rest of the team made up from other league teams.

The only goal came from Runcorn forward Savage 20 minutes into the second half.

The Runcorn team, with positions where known, was: Talbot (goalkeeper), Quinn, Francis Hughes, Bert Hughes, Sid Hughes, Plant (half-back), Green (winger), Costello, Spruce, Siddall (forward) and Savage (forward).

Chris adds: 'Maybe we should write to Manchester United to see if they would like to send a team to replay this great game for Red Cross funds - and Runcorn FC?'

THE United match took place during Runcorn's debut season of 1918-19, which culminated in the team winning the-Chris Darlington said: 'This game attracted more than 3,000 from Run-corn.

'Supporters had travell ed by steam train from Widnes station and people crammed into each carriage of the little local train. They sported lengths of green and white ribbon tied Lancashire Junior Cup at An-field.

After beating Everton Reserves 3-0 in an earlier round, the final on January 11, 1919 pitched Runcorn against Blackpool Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) at Tranmere Rovers' ground. around their arms and wrists.

'When they arrived at Tranmere, elections were taking place and they were asked by canvassers who they supported. They replied Runcorn FC! But the supporters were in for another surprise.

'There was no room left in the stands at the ground. It was an open field with lots of trees at each end of the pitch.

'Undaunted, they climbed up 20 and 30-foot-high trees from where they watched the match,' added Chris.

'The soldiers from the RAMC had pitched their tents on a nearby hillside and were watching from open tent flaps.

'The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Run-corn had been leading the soldiers until the last minute, when they got a last-gasp equal-iser. ' The replay at Anfield was end-to-end stuff - even more Runcorn spectators are thought to have travelled but they were 'lost' in the bigger ground.

Liverpool had called off a game to enable the final to go ahead.

And the tie was so tense that some had to leave the ground as they couldn't stand the excitement!

Chris Darlington added: 'Runcorn played the first 15 minutes with only 10 men because Savage was delayed by his train being late.

'In the end, they put Spruce on. Just at that moment, Savage arrived from the station but too late to play.

'Runcorn were also without Talbot, the first-choice keeper. Forshaw, his replacement, had a nightmare but was helped by his 'ring of steel' backline.

'The Runcorn fans greeted the team with a roar like a lion as they entered the field and were soon rewarded with a goal by Hale, whose low shot hit the upright then bounced in.

'Late in the second half, the Runcorn captain knocked out the RAMC player White after barging into him. This ended up being a stretcher case.

'Two RAMC spectators ran on to the pitch and had to be restrained. Five minutes from the end, Costello scored the second following a corner.'

Mr John Lewis, head of the Lancashire FA, said in years to come people will wonder how Runcorn's name came to be on a Lancashire cup, but such things happen. If it hadn't been for the war, neither team would have been allowed to compete.

'They were not presented with their medals at the game but they were sent on reluctantly,' added Chris.