Town pay a penalty (From Warrington Guardian)

Town pay a penalty

Mid Cheshire League

KNUTSFORD FC 1 Crewe 1

KNUTSFORD FC drew for the third consecutive time against Crewe as it became increasingly difficult to separate much of the Mid Cheshire League beneath the top three.

Knutsford went into this game eighth in the table and Crewe were third bottom, but only six points separated the two teams.

Saturday's Manchester Road fixture was hardly spectacular and both goals were off penalties as there were few chances.

The Reds scored on 10 minutes when Simon Thornley was released following a sharp move.

When Crewe goalkeeper Harding dragged him down it looked like he would be sent off and Knutsford have a golden opportunity. Thornley got to his feet to score with the spot kick.

Knutsford looked bright and breezy early on but it was not to last as the game deteriorated into something of a scrappy affair.

Richard Ingles came off with a cut eye and Crewe's Parker hit the bar just after half-time as the game became tighter.

Tackles were flying in and there was a real threat of another bad-tempered affair as last week against Bollington Athletic.

Knutsford lost their thread and early spark and Crewe looked more determined.

A second penalty on 78 minutes arrived when Barnhill fouled Brazendale and Dave Hanson drove home the equaliser.

There was little creativity from open play and Crewe finished the game with more endeavour, but finally it ended in another draw.

On Saturday Knutsford are in Mid Cheshire League action at Pilkington FC. Kick off at Ruskin Drive, St Helens, is 3pm. TEAM: Coleman, Moss, Booth, Bell, Taylor, R Ingles (Potts 25 minutes), Cocksedge, G Ingles (Dow 82), Barnhill, Thornley, Fry. Substitute not used Wright.