West Derby 3-3 Knutsford

KNUTSFORD had reason to be less satisfied with a share of the spoils last weekend after they led an encounter with West Derby three times.

However the promoted Black Knights occupy third position in the North Men’s League’s Division Two West at the turn of the year and have adjusted admirably to a higher level.

They were rewarded for starting on the front foot when Joe Wright found space inside the home team’s circle and unleashed a reverse-stick shot into the roof of the net.

West Derby exploited sloppy marking to restore parity from close-range, although it served as a spur for the visitors.

They countered at speed and A neat combination between Max Berkeley, Jonny Price and Keelan Sherwani ended with the latter dribbling around the goalkeeper before steering the ball into an empty goal.

However they were not in the ascendancy for long and their opponents made it 2-2 by the break after again making the most of charitable defending to score.

A physical contest spilled over during the second-half and a melee involving players from both teams ended with a man from each side being shown a yellow card.

Knutsford pushed forward with 10 men and edged in front when Graeme Wolfenden gave the goalkeeper no chance of making a save following a penalty-corner.

To their credit improving West Derby, victors in their three previous games, responded and drew level a final time with time running out.

Results

North West Men’s Hockey League

Saturday, December 8

Division Four South: Mossley Hill 6-1 Knutsford 2nd.

Division Seven South East: Knutsford 3rd 1-6 Stockport Bramhall 2nd.