RUNCORN Linnets’ first-team squad is continuing to take shape with an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie at Hemsworth Miners Welfare this Saturday providing an unusual start to the new season.

Ahead of the final friendly at Maghull tonight, new boss Michael Ellison has signed two more players with others expected to follow as team building plans are finalised.

The latest recruit is midfield man Sean Carlson, who was recruited on Saturday immediately prior to the club’s penultimate warm-up game.

Carlson wasn’t available, because of injury, for selection for the match at Conwy Borough.

But his impressive displays as a pre-season trialist had already convinced manager Ellison of his ability and potential.

The player arrives from West Cheshire League football with Hale FC and has quickly shown good strength and technique on the ball.

He has also had spells at Blackburn Rovers and Macclesfield Town.

The capture brings an unusual double for the Carlson family.

Sean’s cousin, Tempany Carlson, plays for Runcorn Linnets Ladies and was an important member of their double-winning Cheshire Women’s League team in 2015-16.

Linnets’ men were beaten 3-2 in North Wales with Antony Hickey adding the final goal of the match to an earlier strike from a trialist.

Earlier in the week, they had welcomed an experienced defender into the ranks in 30-year-old Kev McGrath.

Having come into the team for the previous friendly at Middlewich, the 6ft 3in centre back was the only player to appear for the full game as Linnets beat St Helens Town 3-1 on Thursday at Prescot Cables’ Volair Park.

McGrath has signed from Ramsbottom United, who he had joined in February of this year.

He has represented a number of higher division clubs, including Mossley and Radcliffe Borough.

At Hallmark Security League level, he has also served Maine Road (as captain) and 1874 Northwich.

Linnets’ Premier Division campaign is due to start on Wednesday, August 10, at AFC Liverpool although this is subject to neither club having an FA Cup replay.

If the Linnets draw at Hemsworth, the replay will be at the Millbank Linnets Stadium on Tuesday, August 9.

Otherwise, the first home action will be in the league against West Didsbury & Chorlton on Saturday, August 13.