Knutsford 2-2 Keswick

KNUTSFORD still lead the way in the North West Men’s League top-flight despite letting slip a two-goal lead last weekend.

The Black Knights, depleted by absences, were left frustrated after the visitors to Westfield Drive made their stamina tell to rescue a draw with two late goals.

That had seemed an unlikely outcome after Kieran Puetz’s stylish first-half double.

The home team had already created a number of chances before he slotted Jonny Price’s cross into an open net after full-back Gary Brown had lofted a pass over Keswick’s defence.

They deservedly doubled their lead before the break, this time Puetz scoring from an acute angle at the end of a move in which every team member touched the ball.

A pattern of dominance, at least initially, continued after the interval although without further reward.

Knutsford’s legs began to tire and, without reinforcements from the bench, they conceded possession to their Cumbrian guests.

The visitors restored parity after scoring twice in quick succession, although the Black Knights were disappointed afterwards with how they defended on both occasions.

A final assault on Keswick’s goal almost yielded a reward, only for the away side’s goalkeeper to stop everything sent in his direction.

Knutsford sit two points clear of Colwyn Bay, who lost 3-0 at improving Winnington Park, in the Division One table.

A trip to lowly Bebington follows on Saturday, push-back 1.30pm.