Ulverston 2

KNUTSFORD 2

THE weekend saw Knutsford Hockey Club's men's first team achieve a hard-earned draw away to Cumbrian side Ulverston.

Knutsford are finding there are no easy games in this tight league.

Despite their lowly league position, Ulverston are a tough outfit to beat at home and started the game strongly.

Early pressure brought them a string of penalty corners but none were converted.

Gallie and Locke were influential in keeping the Cumbrian side at bay.

Knutsford managed some breakaway attacks and opened the score against the run of play, Squirrell smashing home a shot from a short corner won by Walmsley.

The Men in Black have suffered a string of injuries in recent weeks and the curse of the right back position struck again, Pedlow leaving the field with a badly cut and bruised hand.

Lacking one of their key play-makers, Knutsford struggled to keep the ball.

Ulverston made the pressure tell drawing level and then taking the lead from a penalty corner just before halftime.

The pattern continued after the interval, Ulverston enjoying the majority of possession and Knutsford looking dangerous on the break.

Hodge and Allan worked tirelessly in midfield, toiling to win back the ball and set Hamman and Marsland free on the counter.

Good approach play from Price and Badderley gave Knutsford a rare penalty corner.

Man of the match Squirrell stepped up and converted, a carbon copy of his first goal.

There was still time for both sides to carve chances - Armstrong once again rescuing the visitors with a series of saves - but neither could break the deadlock.

Knutsford extended their recent unbeaten run and must reflect on this as a point gained, rather than two lost.