THE Cheshire League derby for this weekend ended in a 1-1 draw as Billinge entertained Pilkingtons.

Billinge started lively forcing an excellent save out of 16-year-old debutant Patrick McLoughlin.

Both teams were playing good football and the deadlock was broken on 24 minutes. Jack Smith’s shot from outside the box was deflected wide to Ross Trust who did well to beat his man and fire the ball across the six yard area for Luke Sephton to turn in.

Pilks came out in the second half hoping to press home the advantage and get the win. But this wasn’t to be as they struggled to get out of first gear.

Billinge got their passing game together and it was their turn to control the game. On 56 minutes they levelled it up when Pilks failed to clear a corner and as it bounced around, Phil Dearden was able to turn the ball in.

Billinge had further half chances, their closest being a header in the closing minutes. Pilks didn’t really create enough in the second half with Callum Barry’s header from a corner being the highlights.