Westhoughton 0 – Billinge 2
The League Title was decided today and it went to a fantastic Billinge Team who were superb today and who have drawn many admirers for their sportsmanship, prowess, free flowing football and their skill this season and this was a culmination of almost seven years hard work by a core of committed coaches and parents who were obviously delighted at the final whistle. In truth whilst Westhougton played their part they appeared anxious and unrelaxed today as the occasion got the better of them, in contrast to the Billinge calm, relaxed and businesslike approach on the day.
Billinge were 1- 0 up after 4 minutes as Bradshaw burst through the centre and outpaced the two Westhoughton centre backs to smash a shot which the excellent and ultimately very busy Westhoughton keeper who was their man of the match today by a country mile, did well to save. As he lay prone however after making the save the ball popped up for Frederick back after six weeks injured, to finish well.
After 20 minutes after winning the lions share of possession it was Billinge again as Man of the Match Crawford’s clearance fell to Sinnot, playing with a sore leg, he played a great ball to Frederick whose goal-bound shot was well saved at the foot of his post by the Westie keeper. Much of the rest of the first half was spent in Midfield with the fitter, stronger Billinge men playing 4-1-4-1 , sweeping up the ball and causing significant problems wide with Leyland and Barron’s pace pegging back the home full backs all game thereby nullifying any opportunity for them to get wide and support the midfield consistently. Westie’s first shot on goal came in the 30th Minute wide from distance, which Hamilton gathered easily. Four minutes later after the ball was played well behind Ayre, who was playing with sore heels, Westies number 4 was clean through but snatched at his shot and put it well over the bar. This seemed to settle Billinge down and concentration levels improved as at 1-0 it was finely balanced. A minute later after a great through ball by Sinnott, Frederick out-muscled the Westie centre back and unleashed a low shot which the Westie keeper turned round his post.
Half time arrived with Billinge having the better of the early exchanges but the job was only half done. Westie came out with presumably a ringing in their ears from their anxious coaching staff and theirs was the first effort of the second half with a good shot and an exceptional save from Hamilton 3 minutes after the restart. Two minutes later Billinge came storming back as Barron clipped a crossfield ball to Frederick who found himself in space and he made no mistake this time to finish low and wide of the excellent Westie keeper.
Westie came back after 47 minutes with an angled shot which Ryan comfortably dealt with at the foot of his post. It seemed that Westoughton were running out of ideas and patience due to their inability to get round the back or through the centre of the best defence in the League and this anxiety and lack of discipline manifested itself in a booking some 5 minutes later for one of the Westie midfielders as he again questioned the referees decision. By contrast the Billinge players did not let intimidation or matters going on off the pitch effect them, as they were well prepared for this, and continued to play football.
Rooke had replaced Leyland at half time playing the lone strikers role as Frederick went to left midfield and Bradbury came on with 25 minutes to go and both boys closed down the Westhoughton defence well with their pace as the Westie boys tired and were unable to build moves from the back now and relied on long hopeful balls forward which Crawford and the effervescent Saxon mopped up easily as Westies frustration boiled over. With 5 minutes to go Rooke picked up the ball on his weaker left foot and drove at the right midfielder and right full back, beating them both and hitting a cracking shot which the superb Westie keeper smothered at the foot of his post.
The final whistle went and Billinge knew they were now deserved champions as they went 6 points clear with still a game to play, having put seven goals past Westhougton, with only three in reply by their nearest challengers in the League. The next challenge is to win the League by a record points margin. The boys now leave this league where they have earned many friends and admirers from those who know the game well to seek new challenges in the larger Craven Minor League next Season and pit their wits against the best the area has to offer.
Goals: Frederick 2 (4, 41)
Man of the match: Crawford