KNUTSFORD kicked off their Mid-Cheshire League at Stockport on Saturday and picked up almost where they left off last May - with a draw.

It was too many games drawn last season, though, that denied the Reds the runner-up position

Saturday's result though was a fair reflection.

With one or two regulars missing it was still a fairly familiar looking outfit with the one debutant in John Ross-Jones, a strong defender from Altrincham, who slipped into the centre of defence alongside Steve Kenyon.

In mid-field Knutsford's former Grove man John Iddon and Craig Stevens were both dominant.

Scott Masheder, many people's choice as player of the season last time around, again looked quite superb and displayed his versatility by dropping in at left back.

But it was young Ryan Barnhill who Knutsford caused the hosts most problems during the first half hour when the Reds looked by far the better side.

First to score though were Grove United - right on the half-time whistle.

Justin Twigg's quickness enabled him to skip unopposed into the Knutsford box and in one sharp movement he clipped the ball beyond Johnson into the far corner.

Knutsford had to wait until the 51st minute for the equaliser thanks to Stewart Dow.

Eventually though the heat and conditions caught up with both sides and the game ended in a stalemate.

Tonight (Wednesday) Knutsford are in action at the home of champions Barnton.

Kick-off 6.30pm.

On Saturday, Knutsford stage their first home game at Manchester Road (3.30pm) versus Pilkington.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.