THERE was a international flavour to Runcorn Linnets Ladies’ first pre-season friendly as they travelled to the University of Manchester’s Armitage Sports Ground.

The opposition came from Three Lions United 98/99, an on-tour team from Indiana, USA.

The 2015-16 Cheshire Women’s League double winners took up where they left off last season with a convincing victory to give new manager John Pickering, promoted from team coach, a flying start.

The Linnets’ initial line-up was largely familiar but featured a couple of new faces – Ana Duran Anca at right back along with centre midfield player Frankie Valdez.

The American side showed some promise and nice touches throughout but the Linnets led from the second minute after forcing their first corner inside 45 seconds.

Megan Pickering, from a midfield position, released strike partner Marcia Jones Sacharewicz who beat guest keeper Nat Pinnington, Linnets’ regular No1, in the Three Lions goal for 1-0.

A series of corners followed at either end but the game was mostly played towards the Three Lions’ goal as long-range shots peppered in from every angle.

On 19 minutes, indecision in the tourists’ rearguard led to Pickering making it 2-0 - slotting home as the opposition ‘keeper was left exposed. Two minutes later, it was three as Pickering's clever, diagonal cross behind the defence allowed Jones-Sacharewicz to slot home.

The tourists now enjoyed a good spell themselves, the Linnets allowing a free header at the back post on 24 minutes while another chance ended with a shot being blazed high over the bar on 29 minutes.

But as they did so often last season, Runcorn swiftly responded to the danger. Another Pickering strike on 32 minutes made it 4-0, after good approach play from Tempany Carlson and Jones-Sacharewicz had helped to work the opening.

With half-time looming, the Yellow and Green Ladies went forward with purpose once again. On 42 minutes. Jones-Sacharewicz’s delightful through ball provided Pickering with her hat-trick effort.

Runcorn Linnets Ladies had exploited the Stateside team’s weaknesses, the Three Lions employing a three-strong defence and zonal marking while being reluctant to engage in a physical contest.

The Linnets made 10 changes at the start of the second half, Pinnington resuming her usual position between the posts.

Mary Rossiter-Gurrell, Nichola Hyland and Lorna Cairns took up defensive duties alongside Tish Collins.

Six youth team players were given the opportunity to make the step up to senior level. In came Beth Graham on the left, Emma McLarney and Chelsea Gillies in central midfield and Lille Ashley wide right while up front Dominika Jodinska and Beth Coppin likewise made their bow.

The second half began with corners at both ends before a great strike on the right by Graham could only be parried by Charlotte Dumbebin, now guesting in the Three Lions goal.

The loose ball was put away at the far post by the incoming Ashley for 6-0 on 52 minutes.

It was great to see the way these young players worked the ball around the pitch; they did not look out of place at all.

After a couple more moments when their opposition threatened without really testing them, the Linnets added their seventh on 78 minutes.

Coppin made the most of an excellent through ball to slot past the advancing ‘keeper.

On this second-half display, the long-term future of Runcorn Linnets’ senior women’s side looks to be bright.

Runcorn Linnets Ladies (Starting XI): Charlotte Dumbebin, Ana Duran Anca, Sadie Bond, Tish Collins, Gabby Evans; Kim Roberts, Frankie Valdez, Mandy Kennedy, Tempany Carlson; Megan Pickering, Marcia Jones-Sacharewicz.