Crewe FC 2 Knutsford 2

KNUTSFORD maintained an unbeaten away record in the Cheshire League on Saturday, but a point at Crewe FC prevented the visitors from extending a perfect record on the road this season.

David Owens netted twice for Reds but former Nantwich striker Simon Everall’s goal, and a Nathan Southern penalty, saw the spoils shared.

It leaves the Manchester Road outfit level with Linotype at the top of the Premier Division table, but having played four more games.

They do not have a fixture this weekend.

Knutsford’s first chance at Crewe arrived after 10 minutes when an Owens free kick was curled too close to goalkeeper Pawel Burzynski.

Lee Morris and Owens then combined well before Thomas Rutter flashed a 20-yarder just over.

Crewe created an opportunity for Everall, but his effort was well-saved by John Stanway.

A Rutter free kick skimmed the bar, and the ex-Vauxhall Motors forward then cut inside only to fire inches past a post.

However it was Crewe who opened the scoring on 35 minutes, when Steve Jenyons was judged to have blocked Matthew Pearson in the box and Southern stepped up to convert from the spot.

The visitors entered the break on level terms though after Owens skipped past four defenders before slotting home.

Scott Dignan’s outfit were behind again shortly after the interval when they failed to deal with a cross from the left, allowing Everall to tap in.

But Crewe’s lead did not last long.

When Liam Myers and Owens combined, the latter was brought down in the box.

He clambered to his feet and slotted into the bottom corner for his 23rd goal of the season.

Knutsford began to dominate possession and pressed hard in Crewe’s half, one move involving Joe Lucas and James Pickford ending with Morris’ effort being saved.

The visitors had the ball in the net moments later after Warren Beattie had made a strong run forward, but the goal did not stand because of an offside.

Crewe’s defence continued to thwart Reds’ attacks, and on 80 minutes the hosts had a chance to win it themselves when Everall fired wide following a counter.

Knutsford’s search for a winner was to no avail despite late chances for Myers, Rutter and Pickford.

Knutsford Stanway (GK), Lucas, Beattie, Wates, Jenyons, Owens, Mannion (Warburton), Pickford, Rutter, Myers, Morris Subs not used Torbitt, Smart, Dignan