BILLINGE began their Cheshire League season at Barrows Farm with an entertaining 2-2 draw against local rivals Vulcan.

In a competitive game that could have gone either way the young Billinge outfit acquitted themselves superbly in their first outing in adult football.

Taking the game to the visitors The Storks were ahead within ten minutes when Kian Green got on the end of Dylan Woodroffe's pass, and slotted neatly.

Vulcan responded superbly as Scott Walker found himself at the far post and finished coolly.

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Despite chances at both ends the sides went in level at the break but it was Vulcan that took the advantage ten minutes into the second period when Stuart Welstead scored directly from a free-kick from the edge of the area.

The Storks response was excellent as Green hit the post before the same player found himself through on goal only to be denied by the keeper and a scrambling defence.

However, Billinge secured a well-deserved equaliser when man-of-the-match Lewis Dixon placed a ‘worldie’ into the top corner of the net from 22 yards out.

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The finish and particularly the performance delighted manager Dave Morris who - speaking after the game - said: "I'm made up with the performance.

"We were down on numbers and up against one of the strongest teams in the division - and whilst I thought we maybe could have nicked the game - I'm delighted with a point.

"The games come thick and fast during August but I'm looking for some positive performances and results to put us in a good position when it settles down in September."

Billinge travel to Widnes to play Avon Villa on Tuesday evening before they return to Barrows Farm next Saturday when Cheadle Heath Nomads are the visitors for a 2pm kick-off.

Pictures: Terry Pope.