PILKINGTON battled to a 2-1 win against Moore United in what was a tight affair at Ruskin Drive.

Both sides had few chances in the opening half and neither side was able to score.

Pilks first chance fell to Sephton on 12 mins when lifted the ball over the bar and Smailes shot just wide from 25 yards five minutes later.

For a lot of the first half it was a tense midfield battle and they went in level at half time.

The deadlock was broken three mins into the second half.

Taylor’s corner was met by Birchall and his bullet header flew past the keeper.

From the kick off Moore went straight up the other half and as the forward wriggled free young debutant Finney pulled off a great save to preserve Pilk’s lead.

In the 65th minute the Moore Utd keeper threw the ball against his own defender and it fell to Frazer who chipped it over the retreating keeper but it hit the bar.

This game was still tight but in the 69th min, a series of basic mistakes led to the Moore equaliser.

A poor free kick was easily cleared and with players out of position they were able to counter and score with ease.

But Pilks hit back a few mins later when a Taylor corner was deflected in off a defender.

As the game drifted to the final whistle, Pilks were much the stronger side and  showed great character to get a win that puts them top of their cup group.