TWO big parts of Runcorn Linnets’ history met in a very special way on Saturday.

John Williams, who led the old Runcorn AFC in the early 80s, presented the trophy he received for guiding the club to the Alliance Premier League title in 1981-82 into Linnets’ safekeeping.

Accepting the special souvenir of the original Linnets' final title win was current boss Michael Ellison, who orchestrated the successor club's first championship triumph – winning the North West Counties League Premier Division in 2017-18.

Williams’ impressive haul of Runcorn managerial honours also included two wins each in the NPL Challenge Cup, NPL Challenge Shield, Bob Lord Trophy (The APL/Gola League Cup), APL/Gola League Challenge Shield and Cheshire Senior Cup.

He also led the Linnets to the first of their three Wembley visits in 1986 for the FA Trophy final.

John said: "It was an amazing time in the history of the club and we think the trophy would be better kept by the Linnets to allow new generations of supporters to see it and older supporters to remember that fantastic season."

Dave Bettley, Trust secretary of Runcorn Linnets, said: "John Williams achieved unprecedented success as manager of our predecessor club, setting a remarkable record of trophy wins.

“This only cemented the popularity he had enjoyed as a player at Canal Street and made him a true Linnets legend.

"It was fantastic to see both John and his son Nigel again and we are extremely proud to gratefully accept this unique memento of a golden era in Linnets history."

Williams was the club’s guest of honour at Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Trafford, which saw Linnets score twice in the final five minutes to come from behind.

Louis Corrigan tucked away the rebound after his 90th-minute penalty was saved to seal the win following Lewis McKinney’s equaliser shortly before.