HOTSHOT Runcorn Linnets Ladies striker Megan Pickering has earned a call-up to a Select XI to take on the Isle of Man Women’s National Team.

The match takes place in Altrincham on Saturday (May 23) and Pickering’s inclusion rewards her prolific scoring exploits over the season just ended.

The 22-year-old netted 30 times in all competitions for the Linnets Ladies in their second season of Cheshire Women’s & Girls League membership, although she isn’t just noted for scoring goals as she can also play as goalkeeper.

Pickering signed for Linnets Ladies after spells with Halton Girls and Liverpool.

The Select XI has been put together by Altrincham Ladies manager Keith Edleston who as well as selecting players from his own team issued invitations to star players from other CW&GL clubs.

Runcorn Linnets Ladies were officially set up in 2013 after various meetings and discussions with their now parent club, whose men’s side play in North West Counties League.

In 2012, as Runcorn Ladies, they had affiliated with the Liverpool County Football Association, playing in the LCFA Women’s League.

2013/14 season saw Runcorn Linnets Ladies switch to the Cheshire League and a place in Division Two alongside established teams such as Altrincham Ladies, AFC Stockport, Irby and Wilmslow Town.

The team has continued to make encouraging progress in what has proved another tough yet enjoyable season.

A number of new players joined the set-up during the campaign with the second part of the season seeing some promising results and good performances.

Improvement was underlined in the closing weeks by Linnets Ladies restricting title winners Warrington Wolverines to a 2-0 victory on the champions’ pitch.

The formation of junior and youth girls’ sides for 2014-15, after the integration of Halton Girls into the ever-evolving Linnets camp, ensures a system is in place to feed into the senior women’s squad.

With two seasons of invaluable Cheshire League experience behind them, Runcorn Linnets Ladies will now be looking to kick on in the forthcoming campaign.