PILKINGTON completed their 2016/17 season by lifting the Cheshire League Presidents Cup.

The game started well for Pilks and they had the ball in the net after just three minutes but the linesman ruled it offside.

Luke Sephton was impressive up front and on 23 minutes he combined well but a mix up with Chris Clarke left them both waiting for each other to tap the ball into the net.

Three minutes later and the Ford’s keeper somehow saved his free kick without knowing much about it.

For the most of the first half it was Pilks who were knocking on the door and they got their opening on 35 minutes.

The keeper fumbled a Jake Worrall cross and Adam Dixon provided the finish with a smart overhead kick.

Ford’s forced a good save out of Rob Cork with four minutes to go and then the moment of the match was Cork’s outstanding point blank save from a few yards out.

In the second half it was end-to-end play but despite all their enthusiasm Ford’s couldn’t find a way past the outstanding Cork in the Pilks goal.

Up the other end and Luke Sephton rattled the upright with a powerful shot and his great work down the wing produced a great chance for Smailes to extend their lead.

With eight minutes to play, a Danny Hughes corner was met by Luke McCausland’s bullet header.

This was effectively the end of the contest and Pilks closed the game out four minutes later when Smailes finished well.

Sephton still had time to force the keeper to pull off another good save and, whilst it was a pity he didn’t get his goal, his performance was inspiring.

And so the season ends!

It’s been a great campaign for Pilks and they will be back at it again after only a few weeks rest as they look to gain promotion back to the Cheshire League Premier Division.