Sale Hotel...1

WHEN Rick Hinchcliffe scored in the 12th minute it seemed Knutsford were heading for a comfortable victory but Sale Hotel earned themselves a well deserved point with a battling display as they fight for first division survival.

Dominic Jones and Gary Long worked hard in mid-field but it was the home team who gained the upper hand as the game wore on.

There was a significant improvement from Knutsford's point of view in the second-half but Sale matched them stride for stride.

It was no surprise when Colin Bailey scored for the home team in the 60th minute.

Hayhurst almost pulled a goal back for Knutsford then Hinchcliffe missed a gilt edged opportunity off a Gary Long corner.

Knutsford played their best football in the final 20 minutes of the game with substitutes Morphet, Cartner and Harrison playing a major part.

Evans held the ball well up front as Williams pushed forward in search of a breakthrough.

In perfect conditions Knutsford finished the brighter of the two teams but all in all a draw was a fair result.

On Saturday the 'A' team are at home to Trafford FC, kick off 2pm.

TEAM: S Roberts, A Jackson, A Long, A Williams, A Potts, M Stimpson, D Jones, G Long, J Evans, P Hayhurst, R Hinchcliffe. Substitutes: J Morphet, P Cartner and M Harrison.