Knutsford 0 Middlewich Town 0

Mid-Cheshire League Division One

A BATTLING performance earned Middlewich a well-deserved point away to last season's league runners-up.

The result was achieved through sheer hard work and determination, with the players trying to prove to manager Dave Twite that they have a future at the club.

After defeats against Garswood and Bollington, Twite had questioned some of the players for their commitment - but they showed plenty of grit and willingness against a strong Knutsford side.

The game started and finished as a very open encounter, and Knutsford's Andy Jones brought out a first-class save from Karl Walton early on.

Then Mike Knop, making his first start for Middlewich, was sent down the right by Stokes and put in a low cross which Lewis hit straight at Johnson in Knutsford's goal.

The experienced Nigel Deeley was having a problem trying to shake off his marker Paul Quine to create his usual magic for Knutsford.

Also, Steve Moss and Steve Rowlands were working the flanks well for Middlewich.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, Rowlands broke down the left and sent a low cross into Knutsford's box.

It looked as though Kenyon handled the ball before clearing it away, but no penalty was awarded and Ian Tier was booked for his protest.

The second period started as the first had ended, with Middlewich straight on to the attack. This time Quine struck a peach of a shot, which eluded keeper Johnson and struck the post.

Knutsford replied with a header from Down which beat Walton, bounced down and was followed up by Morley.

He had only to touch the ball over Middlewich's goal-line but he seemed to stumble and directed his header into the arms of Walton.

ON Saturday, Middlewich Town have no league fixture and they also have a bye in the cup.

But they will be playing a friendly at Seddon Street, kick-off 2pm, hopefully against a team from the Conference.

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