Whaley Bridge Under 15s got their season off to a solid start with a hard fought draw at home to Spurley Hey.

Kicking against the wind and the slope in the first half, Whaley matched their opponents blow for blow. Alfie Hodges made a few crucial saves, whilst at the other end Nathan Wild and Ben Bagshaw both proved to be a handful. It was goalless at the break, and the game continued to swing from one end to the other. Spurley Hey got the breakthrough with 20 minutes remaining, as Hodges parried the ball only for it to fall to a Spurley attacker who poked it home. Whaley came back strongly, and minutes later Hodges launched a long ball for Bagshaw to chase. The new signing got there first and clipped it over the keeper for the equaliser. The wind was playing havoc all over the pitch, but both defences remained solid, and the game finished in an honourable 1-1 draw.