Billinge's first game in five weeks ends in a draw

The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

As it was, the long layoff didn’t seem to affect Billinge as it wasn't long before the visitors were put under pressure with both Martin Dearden and - new signing - Alex Bacon creating all kinds of problems.

In the fifth minute Jordon Hallwood linked up well with Warren Gerrard whose first-time pass found Dearden out wide, he cut inside, beating two defenders before he was taken out just outside the penalty box.

The free kick was taken by Dearden who saw his shot saved well by James Artell in the Newton goal.

Street continued to apply the pressure with Dearden, Gerrard and Jimmy Howard all forcing the Newton keeper to rescue the visitors.

Twenty minutes in and Newton had their first real chance of the game when striker Mike McClean broke through the defence but as he advanced on goal Billinge keeper Danny Still was quick off his line and forced the striker to rush his shot and fire just wide.

Two minutes later it was McClean again who picked up a loose pass in midfield, he then outpaced The Storks defence and as Still came out to challenge him he squared his pass to Jamie Dennan who slotted home.

Within five minutes Billinge New Street were level as again Gerrard, Hallwood and Tyler Eaton linked up well around the edge of the box before the ball was played out to Dearden on the left, his first-time pass found Danny Lamb six yards out and his finish gave Artell - in goal - no chance.

In the second-half New Street continued to dominate possession and put pressure on the Newton goal, but the visitors held out well. The best chance came in the 85th minute when a great cross from Sean Cotterell found the head of Jack Dougherty whose brave diving header was just inches wide.

Meanwhile the SC Renewables man-of-the-match award went to Connor Simpson for another dominant display.

Next week Billinge travel to the Shropshire borders for a re-arranged Cheshire League game at Malpas - kick-off 2pm.