This Is Cheshire

KNUTSFORD Hockey Club's men's first team returned to form on Saturday with a hard fought draw with second placed Formby.

Dreams of promotion are long gone, but the Men in Black still had pride to play for.

The early exchanges were dominated by the home side, their balance of youth and experience stretching the Knutsford defence to breaking point.

Gallie and Moss worked hard to contain Formby's lively centre forward and right wing.

The Lancashire men won a series of short corners and opened the scoring, the ball slapped home from close range over Armstrong's desperate dive.

Formby continued to press, but Knutsford made inroads on the counter-attack.

Marsland and the excellent A Locke were marauding down both flanks.

The visitors drew level after 20 minutes, Davenport's inch perfect pass diverted into the net by the prolific Lavin.

Possession evened out and both sides created chances, Squirrell going closest for Knutsford.

Formby ended the first-half ahead after yet another penalty corner shot looped off a defender's foot to give the home side the easiest of tap-ins.

The Men in Black roared back after the interval.

Walmsley found room to create down the right and influential sweeper Price became increasingly involved in attack.

Formby mounted some attacks but lacked a cutting edge.Salt's deft defending held the home side at bay and Knutsford drew level in controversial style with just minutes to play.A driven cross from the left was deflected by Lavin and the ball was definitely lifted and appeared to brush a defender's arm.

S Locke was not worried as he spectacularly drove the resulting half volley into the top right hand corner of the net.

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