KNUTSFORD...1

Cheadle Heath Nomads...1

KNUTSFORD led this top-of-the-table clash until Nomads snatched a late equaliser that could decide the Mid Cheshire League.

The Reds still head the table, but their three-point advantage might not be enough as Nomads have three extra games to play.

On Saturday Knutsford welcomed back from injury and illness the skilful Paul Hartley, but were without injured Barnhill, Gilligan, Stevens and Habershon and suspended Brown.

Fry and Inoue were busy as the home side forced the pace and even the unfortunate loss of Scott Masheder on 27 minutes did not disrupt the home team's dominance. Mottershead was rarely troubled, but the elusive goal took some time in arriving. On 54 minutes a free kick was met with a glancing Neil Hartley header that whistled past Rouse in the visitors' goal to give Knutsford a deserved lead.

The importance of the occasion then became evident and both sides were guilty of some needless fouling.

Wilkins picked up an injury and player-manager Stewart Dow replaced him for his first appearance since the start of the season.

The fact that Dow had named himself amongst the substitutes was evidence of his frustration at Knutsford's lack of goal threat in recent weeks.

On 75 minutes referee Mr Harding adjudged Leigh to have handled a ball that rose sharply in the box and awarded a penalty.

But Cosgrove's kick was superbly saved by Mottershead's sharp dive to his left.

Knutsford had opportunity to increase their lead, failed and paid a severe penalty.

With 87 minutes gone Harrison hit a low free kick in from the right and Rick Holden turned the ball in at the near post to claim an equaliser.

On Saturday Knutsford face Broadheath Central for a Mid-Cheshire League game, kick off 2.15pm

TEAM: Mottershead, Bell, Francis, Leigh, N Hartley, Burnett, Wilkins (Dow 86 minutes), Masheder (Hitchen 27), Inoue, Fry, P Hartley. Substitute not used Whitehurst.