Pelican Rovers...2

KNUTSFORD could have been two goals up before league leaders Pelican created their first chance.

Hinchcliffe only had the goalkeeper to beat in the 20th minute but put his shot wide.

Cartner had a good effort well saved minutes later as Knutsford piled on the pressure.

It was a highly entertaining game throughout as both teams mastered the blustery conditions well.

The game was finely balanced at half-time as the scoreline remained 0-0.

Seconds into the second-half however, Knutsford's concentration lapsed as they allowed the visitors to score a shock goal straight from the kick off.

The home side responded well and continued to press forward while in-form goalkeeper Mottershead made a magnificent save to keep his team in the game.

Pelican sent up their big guns for set pieces but again Mottershead's handling was superb.

With 20 minutes remaining Stimpson switched play with a sweeping cross field pass that sent Cartner free down the right.

The youngster's pin-point cross found Hinchcliffe at the far post and prolific striker's downward header beat the goalkeeper from six yards.

Pelican showed why they are likely candidates to win the league when they pressed Knutsford back for the remaining minutes and snatched the winner with little time left.

On Saturday Knutsford are away to Sale Hotel with the later kick off time of 3pm.

TEAM: J Mottershead, A Jackson, A Long, A Williams, J Evans, P Cartner, D Jones, G Long, M Stimpson, S Thornley, R Hinchcliffe. Substitutes: P Ashley, A Potts, D Beattie.