WHEN you get two arch enemies playing against each the skill normally makes way for the heat of the moment.

But not in this case.

For Blue Star and Blackburn Boys showed exactly why they are both challenging for the title with both teams playing some excellent football.

While the draw was hardly the best result for either side it was the fair result.

In fairness, Blue Star played the more inventive football with Kyle Smith and Ben Langford playing some very attractive football.

And with Jack Entwistle playing his first game against Blackburn Boys since leaving them to join Blue Star it just added spice to the occasion.

Blue Star had the better of the first half and made the pressure count by racing to a two goal lead.

And Ross Hawthornthwaite was at his goal grabbing best when he converted both chances that came his way.

First he capitalised on a slip by a Blackburn defender to race through to score.

Then on the stroke of halftime, Blue Star put a fine move together across Blackburn's box when Entwistle played the ball square to Langford who set up Hawthornthwaite just inside the area.

Blackburn knew that the next goal was vital and they made sure it was them who were going to score it.

They made their intentions known early on when Jolyon Lawe forced Curtis Aspden into a save, after good play by Dennis Greenwood, then Aspden reacted quickly to repel Keiron Gardiner's long range effort.

But Blackburn were soon back in the game when an initial free kick was blocked and Dean Lord hammered home the rebound. Blue Star nearly regained their two goal lead when Smith set off on a mazy run and Joe Marshall held on to his shot at the second attempt.

Drew Cardew then had a chance to extend Blue Star's lead but his shot was well blocked by Adam Holden.

But in Blackburn's next attack they drew level when Dennis Greenwood slotted the ball beyond Aspden after good play by Carl Turner.

Blackburn now sensed a winner a pushed forward looking for the decisive goal. However that left them vulnerable to the counter attack and Smith revelled in coming deep to pick up the ball and run at his marker.

On three occasions he managed to get into the Blackburn area only for a late challenge or a poor shot denying him a goal.

Langford had an ideal opportunity to give Blue Star the lead but his free kick from the edge of the area lacked power and Joe Marshall saved easily.

Then Lawe and Greenwood almost worked a goal for Blackburn, but defender Anthony Hayes did well to block the shot.

However in the dying moments both sides had gilt-edged chances to seal the victory. First Smith wriggled free on the edge of the area and his shot seemed to be heading for the top corner until Marshall produced a brilliant save.

But Blackburn Boys substitute Dale Bullen probably had an even better chance when he found himself unmarked in the area but fired into the side netting.

Points shared and honours definitely even. BLUE STAR UNDER 12s: Curtis Aspden, Anthony Hayes, Ross Hawthornthwaite, Drew Cardew, Chris McKay, Jack Entwistle, Ben Langford, Kayle Smith, Luke Devine, Liam Read and Ryan Cooper. Subs: Danny Banks and Mickey Smith. BLACKBURN BOYS UNDER 12s: Joe Marshall, Chris Harris, Steve Saunders, Adam Holden, Adam Moorcroft, Carl Turner, Dean Lord, Steve Gallacher, Jolyon Lawe and Keiron Gardiner. Subs: Kane Slater and Dale Bullen.

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