Bowdon 3rds 4 Knutsford 3

KNUTSFORD’S promotion chances were hit on Saturday when they slipped to only their second defeat in eight games following a seven-goal thriller at rivals Bowdon.

Simon Trenbirth levelled before half time but, despite Jason Punshon saving a penalty flick, Dave Price and Tom Howard efforts were undone by a late Bowdon winner.

The hosts took the lead in controversial fashion after a high air-shot was not penalised, and a forward scored at the second attempt.

The Black Knights responded well, and a cleverly worked move resulted in Trenbirth dispatching a short corner from the top of the D.

Man of the match Iain Lawrence broke up play well, while Mark Osborne and Simon Locke helped keep Bowdon at bay to send the sides in level at the interval.

Despite starting the second half strongly, the visitors found themselves two goals down when Bowdon scored twice from a series of quick attacks.

Punshon saved a penalty flick to keep the Black Knights in the game, and they responded when Dave Price clawed a goal back from a short corner rebound.

The visitors then pulled level after their forwards had combined with a series of short, sharp passes allowing Howard time to slot home at the far post.

However experienced Bowdon found a way to pinch the points with a late winner.

n Results North West Men’s League Division Two, Saturday: Bowdon 3rds 4 Knutsford 3. Division Five South: Knutsford 2nds 5 Bangor City 0. Division Seven South East: Timperley 5ths 7 Knutsford 3rds 0. Cheshire Women’s League Division One: South Cheshire 4 Knutsford 1.