Knutsford 2-1 Didsbury Northern 2nd

JONNY Price scored a decisive goal with time running out to help Knutsford overcome a direct rival for the title.

He lifted a deft finish over the visitors’ goalkeeper after Danny Butterworth and Keelan Sherwani had combined on the right, settling the outcome of a close encounter.

“Winners are not those that never fail, rather ones that don’t quit,” reflected stand-in captain Tom Adams afterwards.

The Black Knights are 10 points clear at the North West Men’s League Division One summit with six matches left.

A trip to Bowdon thirds follows this Saturday, push-back 11.45am.

Knutsford had broken through inside quarter of an hour last weekend when Gary Brown converted from a short-corner following a rehearsed move with Graeme Wolfenden.

The home team, with only 11 players available due to absences, had the better of the exchanges that followed.

However Didsbury drew level following a rare foray forward when goalkeeper Tom Wright was unsighted and unable to make a save.

Knutsford dropped deeper after the interval when legs tired and they could not make a substitution, while the visitors shuffled their line-up in an attempt to wear them down.

Wright made two fine saves to keep the score tied, an outcome that would have reflected what had unfolded on the pitch.

However Price was clinical when an opportunity presented itself late on, sparking scenes of wild celebration among his teammates.

Results

North West Men's Hockey League

Saturday, February 3

Division Four South: Alderley Edge 4th 2-1 Knutsford 2nd.

Division Seven South East: Knutsford 3rd 6-1 Crewe Vagrants 3rd.

Fixtures for Saturday

Division One (11.45am): Bowdon 3rd v Knutsford.

Division Four South (1pm): Knutsford 2nd v Bowdon 4th.

Division Seven South East (3pm): Triton 3rd v Knutsford 3rd.