Now or never for Runcorn (From Warrington Guardian)

Now or never for Runcorn

RUNCORN FC has until tomorrow (Thursday) to raise £3,000 in rent or face eviction from Halton Stadium.

The cash-strapped club has issued an urgent appeal for donations.

Martin Fallon, acting media officer, said: "The situation is very serious and we need help.

"Any donations, no matter how small, would be very much appreciated and gratefully received.

"We don't know what's going to happen if we can't find the money.

"Potentially, we could be kicked out of the ground.

"If that happens we might not be able to fufil our home fixtures and the team would face an uncertain future."

The club is even considering auctioning off its historic memorabilia to ensure its future survival.

If the football museum won't buy a ball used in the 1939 match between Runcorn and a Preston North End side featuring Bill Shankly, it will be sold on online auction website eBay.

The club is also asking supporters to buy £100 shares.

A Halton council spokesman said: "Runcorn FC Halton has substantial outstanding debts with the council.

"If this sum is not met by the football club, the debt will ultimately become the responsibility of the general taxpayer.

"The council has met with representatives of the club and suggested various ways the club could reduce its expenditure."

On the football front, the team overcame the financial worries and the departure of manager Alvin McDonald to score a good point with a 1-1 draw at Barrow.

Barrow took the lead with a second half penalty but Nicky Young scored an excellent equaliser.