RUNCORN Linnets Ladies quickly eradicated the off-pitch turmoil of the previous seven days, in which they had lost 11 players from last season’s double-winning Cheshire Women’s League squad.

With nine new faces having been introduced, the Linnets eased past latest pre-season opponents Whitchurch Ladies 8-1.

The away friendly was used to trial new player positions and formations.

New signing Beth Coppin put them ahead inside two minutes.

In this young and energetic player, the Linnets have unearthed a striker who might surprise a few people this season.

Fast, pacey and not scared to put herself about, she was backed up by last season`s leading scorer Megan Pickering and another gem in Frankie Valdez.

Valdez is creative, quick and able to get into plenty of scoring positions. Watch out when it all clicks into place.

After playing at too quick a pace, the Linnets slowed the game down in the second half.

They scored a further seven times, including six in a 17-minute period, with neat and at times attractive pass-and-move football.

Coppin added four more goals while Pickering with a brace and a stunning 25-yard direct free kick from Steph Woods-Hughes sealed the victory.

The team, with keeper Nat Pinnington, Nichola Hyland Sadie Bond, Lorna Cairns, and Ana Duran Anca solid at the back, had Mandy Kennedy in typically industrious form in midfield.

She was backed up by Emma Mclarney, Chelsea Gillies and Beth Graham.

The biggest cheer of the day was rightly reserved for the return of Beccie Woods-Hughes after two years out with a serious injury.