KNUTSFORD fought back to secure a draw at Eagle Sports on Saturday to keep them seven points from the Cheshire League summit.

Adam Coleman’s fortuitous effort gave the hosts a first half lead, but Sean Lynch levelled for fifth-placed Knutsford late on.

Knutsford, missing eight first team players through injury and work commitments, made five changes from the team who won at Billinge last week.

Eagle keeper Neil McDermott made an early double save, first from Matt Woolley’s 20-yard drive and then Jack Woolley’s follow-up.

Eagle’s Jay Waldron saw his delivery headed narrowly over by Owen Ellis minutes later, but the hosts took the lead six minutes before half time when Coleman’s deep cross deceived Knutsford stopper Mark Higgs.

Eagle nearly made it two before the break, Craig Hall headed goalwards from Liam Walker’s corner only to see his effort stopped by Higgs.

Knutsford missed a chance to equalise immediately after, Reece Davies found Lynch unmarked in the area but his low drive flew wide.

Knutsford looked sharper after the break and Jack Woolley went close early on when his 20-yard effort curled narrowly over the bar.

Goalkeeper McDermott again came to Eagle’s rescue when Davies won the ball from Richard Chinn at the back and saw his curling effort tipped wide by the hosts’ stopper.

Lynch found himself free in the area for a second time soon after, but was denied when his strike was blocked superbly by Craig Hall.

Scott Beattie went close when Jack Woolley got to the byline and pulled a first time effort back, but McDermott was equal to Beattie’s effort.

However, the reigning champions finally found a leveller seven minutes from time when Steve Jenyons’ deep free kick was nodded home by Lynch for his 10th of the season.

Knutsford Higgs (GK), Wilbraham (Shiels 76), Williamson, Smart, Jenyons, Beattie, Jack Woolley (Williams 71), Cartner, Davies, Matt Woolley, Lynch.