TWO goals in a minute from league champions Barnton turned this game on its head and posed serious questions about Knutsford FC's Mid-Cheshire League title credentials.

At the start Knutsford put the Northwich club on the defensive and Francis scored with a header to put them ahead.

The villagers got a foothold and began to enjoy a large chunk of possession but were unable to cause any real threats on Mottershead's goal.

On 65 minutes it all changed as Phil Jones levelled the game.

From the restart Barnton pumped the ball forward and Hurley sped into the penalty area where Chris Leigh had a lapse of concentration and felled the winger to gift them a penalty.

Dave Murray scored with a crisp low drive inside Mottershead's left hand upright.

Knutsford's player manager Stewart Dow then had a fine curling shot pushed over by Mottram before Stevens fired wide from within the penalty area.

"We played well at the start and end but overall we lacked a mental toughness to win the game," said Dow.

On Saturday Knutsford play at Cheadle Heath Nomads reserves in the first round of the President's Cup. Kick off 1.30pm.

In the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup quarterfinal Knutsford play on the Wirral in the first weekend of the New Year.

TEAM: Mottershead, Francis (Harkness 80 minutes), Bell, Leigh, Stevens, Faulkner, Hitchen, Wilkins, Fry, Dow, Barnhill. Substitutes not used Woan, Lamming.