It might suggest otherwise but the score line certainly wasn’t a fair reflection of a game.
Darryl again took the opportunity to use this last game of season at the Billinge ‘outpost’ to introduce more Development Squad lads into 1st team football with 4 starting and 3 more on the bench; Due to ‘cricket’ absentees, suspensions and injury all didn’t necessarily get to play in their preferred positions but all looked comfortable at this level and that can only bode well for the future.
The worst possible start saw Billinge take the lead after only a couple of minutes through a series of basic errors. To their credit heads didn’t drop and the visitors played some good football and throughout the game looked to be the far more positive and creative team. Unfortunately most of their attempts on goal came within the reach of the excellent if diminutive Billinge keeper but nevertheless he still had to make a string of outstanding reflex saves to keep the home side ahead until the last quarter.
Through necessity top scorer Sam Leadbetter started at left back; Jimmy Golphin, looking calm and assured, came in alongside Captain Sutton at the back with Jake Drayson on the right. The 2 wide men Dan Connell and Dillon Roberts both looked strong, confident and effective making determined breaks down the flanks linking well with the energetic Will Bailey and George Langford in centre mid. Dwyer always dangerous mesmerised the Billinge defence with shots flying just wide and young Jacob O’Donnell made some good skilful runs.
The visitors pretty much dominated the second half but again failed to find the killer touch eventually conceding late goals from what were probably Billinge’s only real two attacking moves of the half, both goals coming from close range following good work down the wings with sharp crosses into the 6 yard box.
So a spirited performance and a useful learning curve for the 6 impressive under 18s.
Tattersall; Drayson; Sutton; Golphin; Leadbetter; Roberts; Bailey; Langford; Connell; Dwyer; O’Donnell
Rumbelowe; Adderley; Meadows |