This Saturday our reserve team play their first competitive match of the season when Lostock Gralam Reserves visit Barrows Farm in the Reserve Division Challenge Cup.
There have been big changes in the Cheshire Football League Reserve Decision this season and restructuring has led to two reserve divisions and a revitalised cup competition being set-up.
The number of clubs has increased from 16 to 19 which has led to a first division of ten clubs and a second division of nine being formulated.
Our finishing position of sixth last season has meant us being placed in a very competitive first division.
The Reserve Division Challenge Cup has also been revamped with the early stages being played on a group basis and that is where we begin on Saturday.
We have been drawn in a group with Golborne Sports Reserves, Lostock Gralam Reserves and Middlewich Town (playing each home and away), and start this Saturday when The Grey lambs visit Barrows Farm.
What all this has meant, however, is that the season has started a month later than normal, and all the teams will now be raring to go.
At Billinge, we will certainly be up for it under the new management at the club.
David Lawrenson - with help from Jack Evans and the full management team - will be in charge of the reserve team and his work ethic and management skills have already come to the fore.
We have had a large number of friendlies losing just one (and that was the first of the season).
Since the first team commenced their fixtures in August the reserves have won four and drawn one - beating both Garswood United and Eagle Sports' second teams (both of whom will compete in Reserve Division One this term).
Lawrenson and his players are now raring to go and speaking earlier in the week David said: "The project of merging the players and management of two teams, along with getting used to new surroundings, a new committee and a new league been a huge job over the last ten weeks but I have to say everyone at the club has NAILED IT.
"Now we want more, and want to improve everything about Billinge FC with the ultimate goal of getting into the North West Counties Football League and moving up the football pyramid.
"In terms of the Reserves season to follow, the main focuses will be success and development for all involved whilst maintaining the enjoyment factor of the game!
"I always like to preach the club values and they are RESPECT, LOYALTY, COMMITMENT, TOGETHERNESS and HARD WORK.
"If we do this then I feel we will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season."
Billinge Football Club has always prided itself on having a good reserve section and even last season - that was a difficult one for a number of reasons - the reserves had a good year.
As a club, we will now build on this and look to create a winning mentality within the club to take us through what will undoubtedly be a tough, exciting and hopefully very successful season.
It all starts this Saturday when Lostock Gralam Reserves are our opponents in the cup.
Kick-off is 3pm and all support will be much appreciated.

Billinge FC Reserves September 2019 Fixtures

Sat 7, 15:00KO - HOME v Lostock Gralam Res
Reserve Division Challenge Cup.

Sat 14, 15:00KO - AWAY v Garswood Utd A
Reserve Division One

Sat 21, 14:00KO - AWAY v FC Bootle St Edmonds
LCFA Junior Cup - 1st Round

Sat 28, 15:00KO - AWAY v Golborne Sports Res
Reserve Division Challenge Cup.