Date: Wednesday Apr 27 2011
Ground: The Pavillions
Comp: NW Counties League Division One (step six)
Match: Runcorn Town 5 Wigan Robin Park 0 HT: 4-0
McShane 9, Kinsey 15, Carey 27, 33, Adegbenro 82
ATT: 80
Additional: Entrance £2.00, Programme £1.00
The Pavillions in pictures
Ground Statistics (marks out of ten, maximum 40)
Character 6, Structures/Terracing 5, Hospitality 6, Backdrop/Scenery or aesthetics for larger stadiums 7
Total 24
This was the second season running I’d seen Wigan Robin Park get hammered in their last away game of the season. It also marked my third successive 5-0 scoreline. What are the odds on that? Runcorn Town were formed in 1968 but are brand new to step six, thanks to some newly installed floodlights and the most peculiar stand I’ve seen in a ground – a kind of Ikea flat-pack stand with the minimum requirement of 50 covered seats delineated by yellow lines. (seven sixes and an eight for maths enthusiasts).
The approach to the Pavillions was very pleasant. The Pavillion itself having a large beer garden frontage where I could enjoy the view of some huge factory overlooking the mersey estuary. Not to everyone’s tastes but I seriously enjoy an industrial backdrop, such as the one on offer.
As you approach Runcorn Town’s ground you actually pass (and I mistakenly took for Runcorn Town’s ground) Runcorn Albion’s ground, who play in the Warrington and District League. The ground had a very small covered stand but no seating.
Runcorn Town have cruised through the NWCL Div One and will be playing in the step five Premier division next yeat. Their set-up, however, feels a little behind their playing ambitions, as I thought it was barely passable for step six. However, it can be forgiven for some excellent industrial backdrops which I think can make for some classic photos as much as a steep Welsh valley can.
The Groundhog 
Used to be ICI’s ground. House-builder Gleeson has won full approval for a 139-home scheme at the former ICI recreation club site in Weston Point. The plans necessitate the demolition of the Pavilions clubhouse at the Sandy Lane site. Although the playing fields at the site will be built on, community football club Runcorn Town will remain in place at the northern portion of the site, and with a 99-year lease in sight, is supportive of the plans.