BILLINGE FC won the prestigious Guardian Cup Final after defeating New Street 2-0 at Warrington Town Football Club in front of a good crowd.

The weather played its part as both teams suffered under the searing heat but they nevertheless managed to offer a truly entertaining game of football.

The teams played cat and mouse early on before a break down the right hand side saw a well paced cross find the head of Ryan McCabe to leave the New Street keeper stranded in the 31st minute.

A shell-shocked New Street had little time to recover before they found themselves further behind some two minutes later.

This time a well placed curling shot from Steve Taylor saw his shot go in off the post to make it 2-0 to Billinge.

The second half saw New Street push the Billinge defence a little harder and they managed to create several good chances but were continually thwarted by a defence that threw everything in the way.

As the half progressed New Street continued to play attractive football and managed several opportunities from free kicks but again the Billinge defence held firm.

As the midday sun reached its peak both teams were feeling the heat as the pace of the game started to slow.

A well timed water break by referee Dominic McDonald after an injury to a New Street player was welcomed by all and saw all players take advantage of it. Although, New Street came out a little more determined they had to commit everything forward leaving them short at the back on occasions.

A necessary gamble nearly cost them a third goal when Billinge found themselves one-on-one with the keeper and a man over but were denied by some fine goalkeeping.

Overall, a well balanced game which saw both side’s play their part along with the officials Dominic Mcdonald, Keith Service, Mark Dranesfield and Brian Cluskey.

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