KNUTSFORD maintained their unbeaten run in the Mid-Cheshire League on Saturday with a goalless draw against promoted Pilkington.

But in truth it was two points lost in their pursuit of league leaders Barnton.

The team's most realistic prospects of any honours this season lie in the League Cup with Saturday's semi-final with holders Barnton - a repeat of last season's final.

St Helen's-based Pilkington are the only side to beat Barnton in the league this season and they are a side who certainly possess one or two good individual players.

The result is in keeping with recent Knutsford games when goals have been at a premium, 0-0 and 1-0 scorelines have been the norm for the past six matches.

Saturday's stalemate was becoming apparent long before the final whistle.

Both defences reigned supreme and neither side had the imagination to prise any clear-cut openings.

In the first-half the highlights were superb saves by the two goalkeepers.

Daine Johnson spread himself magnificently in the 20th minute to make a fingertip save and at the opposite end Lee Wadsworth made an excellent save to deny Platt after a fine sweeping move from the home team.

The second-half featured even less goalmouth action, the nearest either side coming to a goal was when John Iddons' superb cross was whipped in from the right on the run and a Pilkington defender headed inadvertently just over his own crossbar.

Knutsford's League Cup semi-final clash with Barnton is at Manchester Road on Saturday. Kick off 2.30pm.

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