NAT Riley was the hero for Knutsford Ladies’ first XI as they began life at a higher level by sharing the spoils with Timperley’s second string, writes Simon Crabtree.

She was on target both times as the hosts twice came from behind to rescue a point in their Cheshire Women’s League Division Two opener.

New net-minder Fran Hatton was a hero at the other end, keeping Timperley at bay until the closing stages of the first period.

Within two minutes Knutsford were level when Riley applied the finishing touch to a fine team move.

But the hosts fell behind for a second time after the interval when weak shot from a penalty corner somehow crawled its way from the top of the D to the back of the goal without a Knutsford player able to react.

Again they fought back.

Despite facing considerable pressure in defence, Knutsford produced a number of organised attacks that finally forced their guests onto the back foot.

Riley scored her – and Knutsford’s – second equaliser from a penalty corner with a rocket of a shot over the legs of the prone Timperley keeper earn her team a deserved opening day draw.