West Didsbury & Chorlton Res 2 Pilkington 1

PILKINGTON surrendered a half-time lead to effectively end their challenge for promotion from Cheshire League One.

Matthew Taylor's goal had given them the initiative at the break, but West Didsbury and Chorlton's reserves bounced back in the second half thanks to two goals from Joel Igenoza.

Pilks started brightly, with Luke Sephton having two early chances and Taylor having a goal ruled out for offside after 10 minutes.

Taylor didn't have to wait long to get on the scoresheet, however, when a long clearance was misjudged by the home defence, allowing him to volley home from 25 yards.

Pilks stopper Dan Finney made a superb save to keep the hosts off the scoresheet as his side turned round for the second half with the lead.

West emerged from the interval with renewed vigour and took the game to their visitors.

They were denied an equaliser by the post just before the hour before Finney produced another fine stop.

However, the hosts were not denied for long and a swift counter-attack led to Igenoza smashing home from close range.

Barely a minute later, the tables turned completely as Pilks were hit on the counter-attack again, leaving Igenoza with a simple tap-in.

Pilks pushed for an equaliser, with substitute Andrew Frazer dragging a shot just wide.

Graham Boylan then looked set to slot home the rebound after a free-kick fell into his path, but West keeper Conrad Betton somehow tipped his effort round the post.

Pilks host Unicorn Athletic in the President's Cup on Saturday, kick off 3pm.