Cheshire Lines began their new life in the West Cheshire Division Three with a 1-1 draw against Birkenhead’s Mersey Royal in a closely fought encounter.

Stand-in captain, Nathan Midghall, pulled The Railway Men level with minutes left on the clock after John Hughes’ side initially fell behind from a glancing header from the Royal’s midfielder.

A healthy crowd watched with excitement as the newly reformed, Cheshire Lines, stepped out on to the field in their traditional and synonymous blue and white striped jersey.

Those who attended were not to be disappointed by the action they saw over the 90 minutes as the game ebbed and flowed from one end of the pitch to the other.

Despite Mersey Royal finishing rock bottom of Division Three for the past two seasons - they have added astutely to their side and troubled Cheshire’s back line on a number of occasions throughout the match.

The Chesh have also recruited intelligently over the close season with new recruits Chris Cruickshanks, John and Dave Smith all impressing on their first outings.

John Smith caused all sorts of problems for the visiting team’s back four and looks a real coup for the club. As does his brother Dave, who made a number of match saving tackles to keep Chesh in the contest.

The Royal’s best chance of the first 45 came through their centre half, who found himself unmarked from a corner but saw his powerful header bounce back off the post.

Despite coming so close, Royal struggled to take control of the game and it was the home side who dictated much of the first half.
Midghall, produced an energetic performance down the right hand side and tested the keeper with a number of efforts. One of which brought the best out of the opposition keeper as the winger’s powerful drive from 25-yards was tipped narrowly over.

The home side could count themselves unlucky not to be leading not long after the break. The ball was quickly switched from right to left and Ged Moore just couldn’t get the right connection on his finish when teed up by Matthew Hints inside the 18-yard box.

John Smith then went close just moments later - when he latched on to another through ball by Hints but his finish was saved again by the Royal shot stopper’s outstretched left foot.

The home side continued to probe and had the better of the second half chances. Midghall was left frustrated when his fierce drive at the near post was somehow clawed away by the Royal keeper.

The game became disjointed as the 90 minutes drew to a close - with legs beginning to tire - and when Royal took the lead with ten minutes to go, it seemed that the three points would be heading back through the Queensway Tunnel.

The away side’s left winger had been released down the flank and his floated cross was directed in to the right hand corner by Royal’s centre midfielder.

However, Chesh rallied and Midghall got his reward for the home side’s persistence.

Steven MeGarry, opened the new season as he had ended the last, proving again to be a constant nuisance to the opposition defence.
He twisted, turned and fainted his way to the by-line before pulling the ball back to Midghall, who flicked the ball past the despairing keeper to earn a point for his side.

Adam Grace was forced in to a late, smart save but the game ended with both sides having to settle for an opening day draw.

Mersey Royal provided a valuable reminder for the hosts of just how tough the West Cheshire is and will be. Their dogged, hard-working display saw them leave with a well-deserved point.

The Smith Brother's shared a joint Man of the Match award on their second debut after their return to the new look Cheshire Lines side.

For Cheshire Lines there were a lot of positives to take from the game and they will be hoping to better this result when they entertain Rainhill Town Reserves on Monday evening.