Sign of hope

SOME bright optimism flickered for Knutsford manager Stewart Dow following a spirited second-half performance from his charges after an unusually dismal start to the season.

The visitors, in their first meeting with Golborne, displayed immense character and excellent attitude as they fought back from a two-goal deficit and probably deserved to take all three points.

Knutsford's difficult start deteriorated further in only eight minutes as last term's leading scorer Paul Fry limped off with a hamstring injury.

Golborne scored twice in as many minutes on the half hour. Moss came off with a hamstring injury at half-time as Knutsford sought to regroup and show some character in yet more adversity. The tireless and selfless running of debutant Matt Riley and the determination of Louis Rix, needing to impress for the first time this season, were outstanding. Potts and Francis were solid in defence and young Joe Wright was lively as he replaced the injured Cocksedge.

Knutsford piled on the pressure and began to dominate but it took a helping hand when they reduced the arrears on 52 minutes.

Barnhill crossed from the right and the pressure building on the Golborne defence showed as their centre back McLeish headed into his own goal. Rix collected the ball 25 yards out and with the home goalkeeper slightly off his line he drilled a perfectly arcing shot into the roof of the net.

Riley, who deserved a goal more than anyone, scooped a shot over the crossbar when being put through.

Francis appeared to handle the ball and was sent off after receiving his second caution to give the home side a penalty.

Hurst put his spot kick wide and Knutsford earned the least that their second-half showing had warranted.

On Saturday Knutsford are at Manchester Road when they entertain Cheadle Heath Nomads.

Kick off in the game, sponsored by Longview Hotel is 3pm.

TEAM: Mottershead, Francis, Potts, Moss (Brown 45 minutes), Rix, Cocksedge (Wright 56 minutes), R Ingles, Taylor, Barnhill, Fry (Dow eight minutes), Riley