Town let rivals off the hook (From Warrington Guardian)

Town let rivals off the hook

Middlewich Town 2 Knutsford 2

Mid-Cheshire League

MIDDLEWICH controlled this derby encounter for 70 minutes, then went to sleep and let their local rivals back into the game with their only two efforts on goal.

Town started this match with a real point to prove against second placed Knutsford, and Rob Corcoran, making his debut at centre half, had an outstanding game. Dave Coleman had little to do with Corcoran marshalling his fellow defenders.

But it was Miranda at the other end who was causing all the problems for Knutsford defenders. His first of three good efforts on goal came from a splendid ball from Simon Evans, which Miranda hit first time, just wide.

His second came from a cross by Woan, which again he put past the post and the third was all his own work, beating three defenders with his pace before rounding the keeper, but seeing his goalbound effort cleared off the line by Eves.

With half-time looming Woan delivered an inswinging corner which Micky Jump crashed against the post. Town went in level, but should have scored at least two goals.

The start of the second half saw Middlewich again attacking at will, Corcoran playing his way out of defence and putting a ball for Darren Ingham to hit, but this time the keeper saved well.

The inevitable goal came when Corcoran again brought the ball out of defence and played a glorious pass wide for Nicholson who delivered a pin-point cross and Les Miranda buried his first goal for the club with a diving header.

Within five minutes of the re-start Miranda returned the compliment, taking the ball down the left wing and this time he crossed and it was met by Nicholson's left boot to volley Middlewich onto a 2-0 lead.

The match should have been out of Knutsford's reach, but Town gave away a free-kick on the edge of the area, which was hit by Darby with tremendous pace, but even this effort had good fortune about it, striking the foot of the post before going in.

With two minutes remaining, Middlewich defenders were caught ball-watching and Harrison headed Knutsford level with Town in disbelief, because these were the only two efforts they had all afternoon.

Man of the match Rob Corcoran.

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