Super Billinge defence secures a draw against Egerton

The Yellows came to Barrows Farm unbeaten in 15 games - including 14 victories - and The Storks knew that they would be in for a battle against a very strong Knutsford outfit.

They had to ride their luck at times, especially when the visitors slammed a penalty against the bar but Wayne Wardle's men gave it one hundred percent and could have snatched the three points at the death.

In fact, Billinge were the quickest out the blocks as captain Zak Riley's effort brought a great save out of Egerton's keeper Jamie Preston.

Milan Thompson went close for the visitors on ten minutes but a minute later The Storks were ahead.

Rob Lamont was fouled 30 yards out and from Liam Fitzgerald's resultant free-kick Riley cleverly headed the ball back across the six-yard area for Richie Allen to smash the ball against the crossbar and across the goal line.

The remainder of the half saw Egerton slowly coming into the game with Gary Da Costa a threat down The Storks left-hand side but The Storks back three of Wardle, Riley and Brad Higgins stayed resolute and if they were breached then keeper Joe Williams was on hand producing two terrific saves enabling them to go into the changing rooms 1-0 up at the break.

You sensed Egerton would start the second period strongly and this they did drawing level on 50 minutes when Thompson was left unmarked to knock home from close range.

This gave The Yellows added impetus but Billinge defended superbly, endured a ten-minute onslaught and slowly got a foot back in the game and started to attack with confidence.

However, on 65 minutes Egerton were handed a great chance to take the lead when referee Anthony Parr Robinson adjudged that Fitzgerald had handed the ball in the box.

It appeared very harsh as it was hit at Fitzgerald from close-range and defected off his thigh and hit his hand.

As it was, justice was seen to be done as Thompson's penalty kick thundered back off the bar.

The remainder of the game saw few chances but The Storks almost won it in added-on time.

Firstly Egerton just about managed to clear the ball after an almighty scramble in the six-yard box and then in the final moments a corner from the left went right across the goal requiring just the slightest of touches but nobody could quite get a toe to the ball and the game finished all-square.

Speaking after the game Billinge manager Wardle said: "We were up against it for long periods but our discipline was excellent.

"There are some very tired bodies right now as every single player gave absolutely everything.

"We were missing a number of key players with injury and availability then we had a couple of dropouts on the morning of the game meaning I had to draft a couple of reserve lads in but everybody was superb."

Next week Billinge travel to Knutsford for a Cheshire Football League Premier Division clash. Kick-off is 2pm.