NEW YEAR AND NEW ROUND

One more day to go of 2009 and just two more before the biggest round of the 2009-10 FA Cup campaign so far.

With over half the target of £5,000 raised so far with the Runcorn2wembley campaign, I'm hopeful 2010 will see the the target reached and indeed exceeded. All the money goes to Cancer Research.

Eight people, including myself, will be at the MK Dons v Burnley FA Cup third round game on Saturday 2nd January, hoping to beat the current record amount taken at a game.

The record currently stands at £460.76, raised by the fans at Nuneaton Town's first round game against Exeter City.

Over 16,000 people are expected at the game on Saturday and Runcorn2wembley is hoping for a good collection total.

Coverage has again been coming in for the campaign with the Liverpool Echo featuring an update in the paper and online. Click here to read it.

Burnley FC has also featured the campaign on the club's website. Click here for the article.

Runcorn2wembley has also featured in the letters column of the Lancashire Telegraph. Click here to read it.

The coverage from all forms of media has been excellent and I'm hoping for even more as 2010 edges closer.

I'll preview the game tomorrow or on the first day of 2010.

Happy New Year.

FESTIVE UPDATE

This has been the longest break between FA Cup rounds so far this season with five weeks from the second round to the glitz and glamour of the third round.

So far the trail Runcorn2wembley has taken me and the fundraising team to Guiseley in Yorkshire, Kendal in Cumbria and Nuneaton in Warwickshire. Now we're currently following MK Dons and watched them defeat previous team Exeter City, in the second round.

A stiffer test awaits the Dons in the third round as Premiership newcomers Burnley visit.

Runcorn2wembley is raising money for Cancer Research UK by collecting money from fans attending each of the games we go to.

For the first time we we're unable to collect at MK Dons v Exeter City but despite MK Dons again not allowing collections to take place around the outside of stadium, we've been given permission by Milton Keynes Council to collect on the outskirts of the stadium.

We're still waiting for permission to collect by the Asda store by the ground but I'm hopeful this will be given.

So far the campaign has generated over £2,500 for Cancer Research UK with a target of £5,000.

Burnley have been very helpful with the campaign and thanks must go to the media department and the chief executive for their help.

Currently about seven collectors will be in Milton Keynes on Saturday 2nd January 2010 for the game and I hope we can collect the biggest total to date.

Fingers crossed this snowy and icy weather will fade away in time for the game.

Have a great Christmas and I'll post again before the New Year.

GREAT GAME BUT NO FUNDRAISING

Yet another spectacular game of football was played in front of the Runcorn2wembley fundraising team as MK Dons narrowly defeated Exeter City 4-3 in the FA Cup second round.

The reward for an astonishing victory is a home tie against Premiership new-boys Burnley.

But it could easily have been Exeter City who hosted the Clarets as they came back from a 1-0 halt-time deficit to lead 3-1 with little more than 20 minutes remaining.

MK Dons' manager Paul Ince would point to an inspired double substitution as both players scored at vital times to secure victory.

The disappointing aspect of the game was the denial of MK Dons to allow the Runcorn2wembley team of volunteers to collect from the 4,800 fans at the game. The total money raised for Cancer Research UK still stands at just over £2,500, halfway to the target of £5,000.

Over ten people were prepared to give up their entire Saturday to come and collect, but with no collection just three of the team made the trip.
The trio, Runcorn2wembley founders Richard and Robert Knowles, and Chris Horner, were at least given free entry by MK Dons and a football signed by the MK Dons players. If anyone would like this ball please let me know and it will be yours for a donation to the fundraising campaign.

So onto the FA Cup third round and MK Dons at home to Burnley. I expect the StadiumMK will be full and will keep everything crossed that MK Dons will let the team collect.

I'll be contacting Burnley too and asking for their help in publicising this campaign.

I'd like to thank everyone associated with Exeter City for their valued support and hope they have a successful rest of the 2009/10 campaign.

Updates will appear here this week.

MK DONS V EXETER CITY PREVIEW

Just under 24 hours before the next leg of the Runcorn2wembley fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK, and the weather is turning a little wintry - time for hat, cap, scarves and badges!

The usual collecting process that the campaign relies on the generate funds and meet the £5,000 target will not be in place for the game.


MK Dons have turned down our request of collecting outside the ground meaning the grand total of money raised for Cancer Research will be more or less the same as it is now, £2,500.

All members of the team are disappointed to be denied the chance to collect money at the biggest game of Runcorn2wembley's FA Cup run so far.

Everyone hopes fans of both MK Dons and Exeter City go online and donate something to the cause.

Let's not forget Exeter City fans helped in the biggest collection to date, in the previous round's game at Nuneaton Town. Nearly £500 was collected that day from just under 2,500 fans.

With over 8,000 expected at MK Dons a big total was expected to boost the overall total.

We respect MK Dons' decision and thank the club for giving us four free tickets to watch the game. The four members of Runcorn2wembley who attend will pay the value of the ticket to the campaign.

I hope the team will still be able to collect some money by going to The Beacon pub and the link path to the stadium from Asda.

Anyone who is at either site look out for us, we'll be dressed in blue or white t-shirt and have blue buckets. All donations will be gratefully received.

Coverage has been coming in again as we gear up for this FA Cup second round game. My local paper the Chester Chronicle has updated readers on the campaign's progress, I'll link this next week.

Big thanks to Peter and Andy at Exeter City for putting information about the campaign on the club's website, which I've already linked on here.

The club, via these two guys, have said they will help with any collection should Runcorn2wembley reach St James Park. Your support is appreciated.

Another big thank you to Joe and everyone at Exeter FM. Joe will be interviewing me on Saturday's afternoon programme at 1.30pm, so tune in!

I'm looking forward to the game and hope the best team progresses and gets the best tie possible in Sunday's FA Cup third round draw. Whoever wins we'll see you in the third round!

WE'RE ALL OFF TO MILTON KEYNES

As November reaches its end 'Runcorn2wembley' strikes up again with a trip to Milton Keynes, raising money for Cancer Research UK.

The campaign, which is following the FA Cup from the start to finish, is now halfway to reaching its fundraising target of £5,000 with bigger crowds and games yet to come.

This weekend will be the biggest crowd by far, as I expect over 8,000 to watch MK Dons take on Exeter City for a place in the third round.

A potential money-spinning game in the next round will spur on both teams and their supporters.

Nerves will play a part but I hope it's a good game and the best team progresses.

The teams had contrasting games over the weekend, with the Grecians securing a good 3-1 win away at Stockport County and the Dons falling to an injury time defeat at Southend United.

Publicity has been very good on the Exeter City website (click here for link) and I'm sure Milton Keynes Dons will afford equal generosity.

I'm still to hear if they will grant permission for a collection before the game on Saturday, but I'm confident this will come through on the next couple of days.

As with all games the home team has been brilliant in allowing me and the team to collect from fans before during and after the game. This has helped move the total money raised to what it is.

Fingers-crossed MK Dons continue this goodwill.

More news later this week and information on everyone who'll be attending and collecting for 'Runcorn2wembley.

GRECIANS DOWN TOWN

A combination of work, personal committments and being stuck on our beloved motorways has led to me not updating the blog as often over the last two weeks.

I hope this post will cover most of the activity that's happened. On to the latest game and the FA Cup first round clash between Nuneaton Town and League 1 side Exeter City.

Firstly a big thank you to my brother Rob, neighbour Johnny and new 'Runcorn2wembley' friend and collector, Chris Horner.

The game at Nuneaton on Saturday was a big effort as it was the biggest crowd of the campaign and everyone worked wonders to collect and speak to supporters about the collection.

I'd also like to thank everyone associated with both clubs for the support and coverage before the game, and the hospitality shown by everyone at Nuneaton Town.

Without any of this the collection and campaign wouldn't have continued on its successful journey.

The game itself was witnessed by many pessemistic Exeter City fans, nearly all convinced they would be beaten.

Their fears were eased after just three minutes and by half time a 4-0 lead was not unexpected given the pressure on Nuneaton's goal, but a little flattering.

The second half Nuneaton performed very well and with a bit more luck could have scored at least a couple of goals, which would have made for an interesting finale.

As it was Exeter held on and now face another away trip, this time to fellow League 1 side Milton Keynes Dons.

A crowd of almost 2,500 at Nuneaton gave the campaign a huge boost as we raised £460, taking the grand total to almost £2,500; halfway to the target total for Cancer Research UK.

The date and kick off time of the next game at Milton Keynes Dons is yet to be confirmed but I suspect it'll be on Saturday 28th November at 3pm.

I hope to have ten people helping with collections at the game to make the most of a crowd in excess of 8,000.

To donate go to www.justgiving.co.uk/Richard-Knowles

COVERAGE CONTINUES WITH NUNEATON

As the next round of the FA Cup fast approaches, coverage of the FA Cup fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK continues to attract media coverage.

'Runcorn2Wembley' has taken in different areas of northern England and the Midlands, but has always been followed by local and regional media outlets.

Some media have followed the campaign from the start and continue to do so, even as it travels to areas beyond it's circulation range.

The Chester Chronicle (my local weekly newspaper) regularly updates its readers of the progress and I'm pleased the total continues to rise at each report.

The football clubs have also covered the campaign which is very helpful when collecting at games as fans already know why we're there.

Nuneaton Town are the latest club to do so; the coverage can be seen by clicking here

The latest Chester Chronicle coverage can be seen here

A non-league website has also covered 'Runcorn2wembley' as the Unibond League (to which Guiseley and Kendal Town play in) featured the campaign. To view that click here

I've also found new coverage on the Guiseley Advertiser; it can be found here

The coverage is great to spread the word about the campaign, but it will only succeed if people donate via the online donation site.

To donate or see how much has been raised so far go to www.justgiving.co.uk/richard-knowles

A preview of the first round game between Nuneaton Town and Exeter City on Saturday will appear here on Friday.

DONATIONS REACH NEW LEVEL

This week has been the best for the Runcorn2wembley fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK.

Not only have we been offered the 'collection' services of complete strangers, but the company I work for, Connect PR, has donated a huge amount to the campaign.

Further positive news has been the promotion of Runcorn2wembley via new media outlets, including the Nuneaton News and Nuneaton Town's website. More of this in my next post.

A big thank you to managing director, Hazel Crawford-Upton, and everyone else at Connect PR for the donation of £500 to the campaign, taking the total money raised to almost £2,000.

Hazel and everyone at Connect PR have been extremely generous with this donation and a simple thank you doesn't seem to do the donation justice.

I hope it inspires people to donate and carry out their own fundraising campaign for charity.

Fingers crossed some or all of my friends at Connect will come along to a game in the near future.

In other news, Lawrence and I were approached by a guy called Chris about the campaign before the Nuneaton v game.

Chris followed the FA Trophy last season and read about Runcorn2wembley after the Guiseley v Kendal match.

He's offered to help collections at future games and will be joining us at Nuneaton for the game against Exeter City a week on Saturday.

Thank you Chris, you're support and help is very much welcomed.

Finally thank you to Nuneaton Town FC for the continued support. I hope to help drum up publicity about the match and fundraising campaign all next week.

If you wish to donate simply click here

KENDAL RUN OUT OF LUCK

Apologies for the lack of a preview to the FA Cup 4th qualifying round between Nuneaton Town and Kendal Town yesterday.

I didn't return from Lisbon until very late on Friday night and needed to catch up on some sleep before driving to Nuneaton for the game.

Rob and Lawrence joined me at the game and we we're expecting a big crowd, the first one of over 500 for the fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK.

With an average of 50p per fan raised at the previous games we hoped for a good collection from the crowd, which turned out to be over 1,100.

The weather and traffic was terrible but calmed down after we arrived and sunshine again bathed the pitch for the game.

Liz and the rest of the staff we met at Nuneaton Town were very helpful and explained the best places to collect from.

The total money raised was £168.19; thank you very much to everyone who donated.

The Kendal Town fans were again in good song and mood, with another lot of generous donations from them before kick off.

As the match started fans were still flooding in, with a place in the FA Cup first round an obvious attraction.

Kendal were the more dominate side in the first half and should have been in front, with a couple of good chances spurned.

In the second half Nuneaton applied much more pressure and just when Kendal looked like they could snatch a late win, the home side pounced to secure the win and a possible draw against the likes of Leeds United and Norwich City.

A draw and replay would have been the fairer result but maybe Kendal's luck in the previous round and penalty save against Guiseley, was all their allocation for this year.

Today the draw was made and we'll be back again at Nuneaton, as they face a very tough game from League 1 side Exeter City.

I expect the ground will be full for the game and look forward to seeing everyone from Nuneaton again in less than two weeks.

Finally thank you to everyone associated with Kendal Town for the hospitality, friendliness and above all, generous donations. Good luck for the rest of the season and possible promotion.

BENFICA TO NUNEATON

This week I'll be previewing the next round of the FA Cup a little later than usual.

The 'Runcorn2wembley' fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK takes a trip to the Midlands to watch Nuneaton Town take on current team, Kendal Town.

Between now and then I'll be spending a couple of days in Portugal watching Everton face Benfica in the Europa League.

I'm sure the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light will be a good warm up to the red hot atmosphere at Nuneaton on Saturday as both teams dream of the First Round of the FA Cup and a possible tie against Leeds United or Southampton.

More coverage has come in from the Wharfedale Observer and through the Guiseley AFC programme, helping to boost the recent matchday collections as people attending were aware of what we were there for.

There's also a mention in the replay programme from Kendal Town, and I'll be uploading that in time.

Have a great week and I'll have that review of Saturday's game, early on Saturday.

MINT CAKE ANYONE?

So the first replay of the Runcorn2wembley fundraising campaign for Cancer Research took us to Cumbria and Kendal Town against Guiseley AFC.

The first game of the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round at Nethermoor was a closely fought battle in the first game at Nethermoor, ending with a 1-1 draw; another close game was predicted.

The fans and officials of both sides were brilliant and I can't thank everyone enough for the money donated, especially considering we only collected three days previously.

The total raised was £131.49 taking the total to £1,139.82, with another £100 donated recently yet to be added.

I was joined by Rob, Sarah and Lawrence for the trip and soon found myself answering a request for a live interview on BBC Radio Cumbria.

During the collections Rob was very kindly given a big bag of Kendal Mint Cake, a donation that was very well received. Thank you to whoever that was.

The game was played in a good spirit with some nervous passes and tough tackling. It appeared to be heading for extra time when Carl Osman (brother of Everton's Leon) headed Kendal into the lead after 78 minutes.

With a minute left Guiseley had the chance to take the game into extra time after being awarded a penalty.

But the well placed spot-kick was superbly saved and despite over five minutes of injury time it is Kendal Town that now travel to Nuneaton Town in just over a week.

The date and kick-off for the game has just been confirmed as Saturday 24th October at 3pm.

Both teams are now just one game away from the possibility of facing a League 1 or 2 club including Leeds United, Charlton Athletic and Southampton.

Look forward to seeing everyone at Liberty Way, Nuneaton next weekend, click here for directions.

LIGHTS ON FOR A REPLAY

Tonight the 'Runcorn2wembley' fundraising campaign is off to a new county and new ground for its first replay.

The floodlights will be switched on at Lakeland Radio Stadium as Kendal Town face Guiseley AFC for the right to travel to Nuneaton Town FC in the 2009/10 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.

After an entertaining 1-1 draw at Guiseley on Saturday both teams will be confident of progressing to the next stage of the competition.

Will home advantage count? Who can react best to playing under the floodlights? We'll soon find out and I'll be joined by my brother Rob, partner Sarah and friend Lawrence as Runcorn2wembley heads to Cumbria.

I must say a big thank you to everyone associated with Kendal Town and Guiseley AFC for their brilliant support to this campaign.

The fans have also been terrific, not only in donating, but also with spreading the word through various fans forums.

Special mentions must got to Chelsea, Rachel and Phil.

Fingers crossed for a good game and best of luck to both sides.

Kick off is 7.45pm and directions click here. See you there.

A TRUE LEGEND

Yesterday was a fantastic day for many reasons. It was the fifth round of the Runcorn2Wembley fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK.

We raised over £200 for the first time at a match during the campaign, but best of all was meeting a true football legend, Sir Tom Finney.

Sir Tom is President of Kendal Town, the team that travelled to Guiseley AFC for the Third Qualifying Round of the 2009/10 FA Cup.

The big stars of today might be Beckham, Rooney and Gerrard, but Sir Tom Finney epitomised why fans loved football; and money didn't give players egos bigger than the game itself.

He was a working man, who also fought in the Second World War, playing the game with a smile on his face and was never booked in his entire career.

Meeting him and having our photograph taken is a memory that will stay with the me and the fundraising team for a very long time.

Back to the game itself and Kendal took an early lead after dominating the first 25 minutes. But a mistake at the back allowed Guiseley back in to the game and they soon equalised.

The second half saw Kendal defending manfully against a determined Guiseley, but despite creating a number of half chances, the home side were grateful to a wonderful save with less than five minutes left to keep them in the FA Cup.

That said, the header could and should have been put beyond the keeper.

I'd like to thank my brother Rob Knowles, girlfriend Sarah O'Brien and Sarah's brother Patrick for helping out yesterday. We raised a total of £201.28 taking the grand total to £1,108.33.

The result means Rob, Sarah and I travel to Kendal on Tuesday evening for the replay, when we find out which team we'll be following to the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

Huge thanks to everyone at Guiseley, including Rachel and Phil, the fans who travelled with Kendal Town, and everyone who made meeting Sir Tom Finney possible.

Look forward to seeing you all and meeting new fans on Tuesday in Kendal. For directions click here

TO THE M62 AND BEYOND!

Another Saturday and another round of the 2009/10 FA Cup. This week I'm off for my second visit to Unibond Premier League side Guiseley AFC.

The Yorkshire side take on Kendal Town, who lie three places above them in the league table, in the Third Qualifying Round.

After a 2-0 win over Bamber Bridge in the Second Qualifying Round, Guiseley will surely face a sterner test this time.

The game will be the fifth of the Runcorn2wembley campaign, raising money for Cancer Research UK.

To date the campaign has collated over £900, almost 20% of the £5,000 target figure.

This week I'll be joined again by Robert (my brother), while two new people will be coming along.

My girlfriend, Sarah, her sister Joanna join their brother Patrick (who was at Guiseley last time) as we hope to reach £1,000.

I'm looking forward to the game and meeting up with friends at Guiseley and making new ones from Kendal.

An update on the figure collated today will be tweeted later (richthemaster) so stay tuned or log on to www.twitter.com

A quick thank you to Lawrence Whiston for printing off the flyers at the last minute. A big help. Hopefully he'll be able to join up at future games as other commitments have meant he's been unable to come since the first two rounds.

Look forward to seeing you all at Nethermoor Park, kick off 3pm.

COVERAGE CONTINUES

With another week nearly over the next round of the FA Cup fundraising marathon for Cancer Research UK is fast approaching.

The 'fifth' round of the Runcorn2wembley campaign is this weekend and we're back at Guiseley AFC to watch them take on Kendal Town.

The total money raised is now over £900 with the target of £1,000 after this round hopefully becoming a reality.

Recent coverage has also included coverage in the Southport Visiter though hopefully more will appear this week.

I'll put together a preview of this weekend's game on Friday so stay tuned.

To help reach the the £1,000 target by Sunday donate at www.justgiving.co.uk/richard-knowles

COVERAGE IS KEY

After four rounds of the FA Cup, there is still a further ten rounds before the hallowed turf of the new Wembley Stadium welcomes the finalists of the 2009/10 competition.

For the current team I'm following, Guiseley AFC, this must seem a world away from the last match and win over Bamber Bridge.

While it is unlikely that Guiseley will reach the FA Cup Final, they will at least play a vital role in making the competition one of the world's best.

Without teams like Bamber Bridge, Guiseley and their next opponents, Kendal Town, the romance and history of the FA Cup would simply vanish. In a word, the smaller clubs, not the big ones, make the FA Cup what it is.

The next round (third qualifying) is just a week away and it promises to be a great game between Guiseley and Kendal Town. Both team occupy lofty positions in the Unibond Premier League so a lot is at stake.

I'm pleased to note further coverage in regional newspapers. The Chester Chronicle, Liverpool Echo, Liverpool Daily Post have continued with updates on the runcorn2wembley campaign, and now a new media outlet has covered it.

The Wharfedale Observer is now following the campaign's progress and I hope they continue to update people on the route it takes to Wembley.

To date the money raised is over £800; to donate just click here

Click on the relevant lnks below for the coverage:

Chester Chronicle

Wharfedale Observer

I'll be back with more thoughts early next week as we near the fifth round of the campaign.

Have a good weekend and may your football team win.

This weekend's fixtures for the clubs I've followed are:

Guiseley AFC V Woksop Town (LEAGUE)
Market Drayton Town v Bamber Bridge (FA TROPHY)
Squires Gate v Maine Road (LEAGUE)
Runcorn Linnets v St Helens Town (LEAGUE)

YORKSHIRE IS MY NEW HOME

What a great day on Saturday; watching the 'fourth' (second qualifying) round of the FA Cup fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK.

Rob and I travelled to Guiseley from Southport, after a night out celebrating the birth of his son (my nephew) Isaac.

Arriving in Guiseley, to watch them face Bamber Bridge, I met with Chris and Patrick O'Brien and Patrick's friend, Simon Baggley. They were all helping with collections before, during and after the game.

The welcome from Guiseley AFC matched that of the previous clubs I'd been to (Runcorn Linnets, Bamber Bridge and Maine Road).

As we split into three groups the donations from the 300+ spectators was very generous and by kick off we'd collected around £30 in each bucket.

The match was played in brilliant warm sunshine and the crowd was entertained with some tactical play by both teams, eager to secure passage to the next round of the FA Cup.

With chances at a premium it was Guiseley who took one of two that came their way in the first half and were 1-0 up at the break.

The second half was again tactical with tiredness a factor as both teams created chances. Guiseley's greater pressure finally brought another goal, but Bamber Bridge can count themselves unlucky not to have scored at least a consolation.

All in all a good game and the runcorn2wembley campaign for Cancer Research UK will now follow Guiseley AFC.

After the game further donations were made and the grand total was £171.05, taking the overall total to over £800. Fingers crossed we can reach £1,000 by the next round.

The draw has been made and we'll make another trip to Yorkshire as Guiseley face fellow Unibond Premier League side Kendal Town.

With both team in the top 5 of the division is promises to be a fascinating clash.

The match is scheduled for Saturday 10th October so hope to see you there. More on the campaign later this week.

Don't forget it's not too late to donate, just click here.

ROUND 4 IN YORKSHIRE

Another weekend and another 2009 FA Cup tie to go and see, this time venturing further then the previous three rounds put together.

Guiseley AFC is the destination for me, the fundraising team for Cancer Research UK and everyone associated with Bamber Bridge Football Club.

The Yorkshire club are a league above Bamber Bridge and my current team face a difficult task in making it to the next round.

This round is the Second Qualifying Round, with another two rounds after this before the League 1 and 2 clubs enter.

I'm looking forward to the game and what promises to be yet another glorious day for playing football. The weather has been very kind so far.

I'm sure some of you watched the coverage in Granada Reports last night (ITV's regional news programme for the north west). I've had some messages from people I don't know, as well as other messages of support.

The piece was edited by Andrew Lindsay and I must thank him for putting together a great report. Hopefully they'll be another in later rounds!

Back to this weekend and I'll be joined by my brother Rob and Sarah's (my girlfriend) dad and brother Pads. The team should number five as Pads' friend Simon is also looking to come along.

The crowd is expected to be near 400 so I'm hoping we can get a decent collection for the fund.

Thank you to the assistance from everyone at Guiseley AFC; I look forward to meeting you all tomorrow.

If anyone would like to join us at Guiseley, here's the address and directions - Guiseley AFC directions.

See you tomorrow.

COVERAGE & UPDATE

A weekend of league football has now finished and we can now look forward to another round of the 2009/10 FA Cup.

The runcorn2wembley bandwagon faces a trip to Yorkshire on the back of further coverage in the north west media.

Focus this time was on my brother in his local weekly paper, the Southport Visitor. Click here to see the coverage.

Coverage is also expected in the Southport Champion on Wednesday, so look out for it!

In a surprise move my local MP for Weaver Vale, Mike Hall sent me a letter of support for the campaign, something I hope helps to raise the profile of runcorn2wembley and Cancer Research UK.

Thank you to Mike for his support, I hope you can make it to one of the games.
The total money raised has now reached nearly £650 with new offline donations, which I'll adding to the total this week.

A big thank you to everyone at my brother Rob's work (Southport Insurance Brokers) for donations and supporting him with this campaign.

I've just received confirmation that the next game at Guiseley AFC will kick off on Saturday 26th September at 3pm at Nethermoor Park. Click here for directions.

With opponents Bamber Bridge FC having scored 10 goals in the two previous rounds I'm sure it'll be a great game and advert for lower league football.

Guiseley, like Bamber Bridge, Runcorn Linnets and Maine Road have been brilliant in accepting the campaign to their ground and I look forward to meeting everyone.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

COVERAGE & DONATIONS CONTINUE

As memories of the third round of the mammoth FA Cup fundraising campaign, Runcorn2wembley, slowly move away, coverage and donations continue to increase.

Thank you to everyone who has donated money for Cancer Research UK, the total has now reached over £600, with more coming in, click here to donate.

Coverage has now appeared on TV as Channel M covered the fundraising as part of footage of the FA Cup and Maine Road FC.

For those of you who haven't seen it, here's the link - Channel M coverage

There's also online coverage in the Runcorn Weekly News, click here , and Chester Chronicle, click here.

With further coverage projected in the Southport Visitor on Friday 18th Sept and next week in the Wharfedale Observer, the word is spreading fast.

Finally, looking ahead to the Second Qualifying Round (the campaign's fourth round) the trail leads to Yorkshire and Guiseley AFC.

I've spoken to Guiseley's chairman and gained permission to collect at the ground. Looking forward to meeting everyone up there, both friends from Bamber Bridge and everyone associated with Guiseley AFC.

More thoughts and updates this weekend.

BAMBER 'BRIDGE' TO ANOTHER ROUND

Another round in the 2009/10 FA Cup fundraising campaign and another fantastic game of football.

Maine Road hosted Bamber Bridge in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

The game was the third in the Runcorn2Wembley campaign raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Yet again the home side (Maine Road) welcomed me, my brother Robert and friend Andy James with open arms, allowing us full access to everywhere and everyone.

It was also good to see and be remembered by fans and officials of Bamber Bridge, after watching their previous round win against the original team I followed, Runcorn Linnets.

Back to the game and after an even first half Bamber Bridge took control in the second, securing a 4-1 win, against a spirited Maine Road. Had Maine Road scored from the first half's best chance, the result could have been different.

The draw took place today and Bamber Bridge (and the fundraising campaign) will now travel across the Pennines to Guiseley FC.

I'm looking forward to the game and it'll soon be upon us; the rounds are just two weeks apart at the moment.

I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated at Maine Road, with a total of £102 collected from fans, players and backroom staff. The total raised is now getting towards £600.

A big thank you to everyone associated with Runcorn Linnets for their continued support despite the Linnets' exit form the competition.

Coverage of the last few weeks will be posted in another blog, but include Liverpool Echo, Chester Chronicle and Channel M (Manchester).

Thank you to everyone who has publicised this campaign, everyone who has donated and everyone who will donate in future.

Finally thanks to my brother Rob, and friends Lawrence and Andy for their help so far.

See you at Guiseley on 26th September.

NEXT STOP - MAINE ROAD

So the next round of the FA Cup 2009/10 is upon us and the Runcorn2Wembley fundraising campaign takes to the road again, raising money for Cancer Research UK.

This time we're off to Manchester and the home of Maine Road FC to watch them take on last round's victors, Bamber Bridge.

Maine Road are in the same division as the team I started with, Runcorn Linnets, so they'll be in with a tough task today.

I'll be joined by my brother, Robert and neighbour Andy for today's game and hope the sunny weather attracts many fans to what promises to be a great game of football.

The fund total is now nearing £500 and I'm hoping people continue to donate generously to help reach the target.

Look forward to seeing everyone today.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

As promised last week I've now scanned the Runcorn programme from 1961 featuring my dad, which has tied quite nicely in to the Runcorn2Wembley fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK.

My dad played for a number of north west sides including Marine, Burscough and Runcorn.
I'm sure he'd love the irony of me starting my campaign with Runcorn this year, something I know is fitting.

A huge thank you to Runcorn Linnets chairman, Derek Greenwood for sourcing the programme and opening up a window in my dad's football career years before I and my brother Robert were born.

I'd welcome any comments from people who either played with my dad or watched him play.

He was still playing regularly until his early 40s, and showed Rob and I the proper way to play the game.

I hope to see many old and new faces at Maine Road FC on Saturday for the FA Cup First Qualifying Round against Bamber Bridge.

Mathc preview to follow later this week.

MORE COVERAGE

So as the donations for the FA Cup fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK tops £400 the media coverage continues to come flow.

National coverage has so far been limited to the Daily Sport, but I hope this will change as the campaign gains momentum.

The latest piece came in the Runcorn Herald & Post, which I thank Bucko for bringing with him to the game on Saturday.

Don't forget to tune in to the afternoon sports show on Halton Community Radio on Sunday 13th September when I'll be giving the latest on the campaign and where the journey will take me next.

The next game is at Maine Road as they take on Runcorn Linnets' conquerors Bamber Bridge.

I'm still waiting to hear back from Maine Road to confirm my attendance but hope to do so soon.

ROUND TWO - BAMBER BRIDGE V RUNCORN LINNETS

So the unofficial second round of the FA Cup 2009/10 took place over the weekend of 28-30th August with 334 teams battling for a place in the First Qualifying Round.

My fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK took me north to the Irongate stadium, home of Bamber Bridge FC.

Having met so many people at the previous game at Runcorn Linnets, it was pleasing to see many of the same faces again; and also hear the non-stop chanting and amusing songs.

I was joined for this game by my brother, Robert, and friend Lawrence, both of whom helped massively with the matchday collection. Lawrence has set up a facebook group to keep everyone up-to-date on that site, thank you for doing that.

Thank you also to everyone at Bamber Bridge FC for their hospitality and donations, it was very much appreciated.

The weather was better than forecast, though still disappointing for August. The sun did shine on the game with the only rain being the shots on Runcorn Linnets' goal.

Two hat-tricks from Ryan Zico-Black and Phil Eastwood led Bamber Bridge to a flattering but deserved 6-0 victory over the Linnets.

I was disappointed not to see Runcorn Linnets go through, due to the kind and generous nature of the club and all its supporters. A big thank you to everyone, I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season in the Vodkat League and hope to see you at future games this season.

I special mention to chairman Derek Greenwood, who managed to find a programme from 1961, which included a mention of my dad, who played for Runcorn while on loan from Marine. It's amazing how 48 years later I've linked up with an old club of my dad's; Derek, I can't thank you enough for finding the programme.

So on to the next round and after a 2-1 win over Vodkat League rivals Ramsbottom United, it'll be Maine Road who entertain Bamber Bridge in the First Qualifying Round on the weekend of 11-13th September. I'll confirm the date and ko time once confirmed.

I'm looking forward to meeting new people at Maine Road and also hope to see friends from Bamber Bridge there too.

Yesterday raised a total of £121.42 taking the total to almost £400 of the target of £5,000.

As usual you can donate at www.justgiving.co.uk/richard-knowles or join the facebook group at

www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=264962860242&ref=nf

Look forward to seeing you all at Maine Road.