IS Knutsford FC’s hectic fixture schedule starting to take its toll?

There were certainly signs of stretched resources as they drew 1-1 at St Michaels DH on Saturday, but they will remain busy until the end of the season.

Reds’ superb run of form in 2024 sees them still in with a chance of promotion from Cheshire League One, but they are likely to have to win all seven of the games they have to play in the next four weeks, the next of which is a trip to neighbours Styal on Wednesday night.

So while Saturday’s point was probably welcome against their strong Widnes-based hosts, they cannot afford to drop too many more.

Knutsford looked tired as the game started as they lined up without four key players but they started to warm up, with Jonny Cavanagh having a good strike saved before Brandon Blades sent a long-range effort just wide.

Then came the breakthrough as Cavanagh was fouled inside the box but picked himself up to convert the penalty for his 18th goal of the season.

It was a lead Knutsford should have extended either side of the break – Blades headed wide when well placed while he also failed to lob the home goalkeeper when sent through on goal after Cavanagh had also wasted a good chance from close range.

They were chances they came to rue as St Michaels found a leveller just after the hour mark and went on the hunt for a winner.

However, Knutsford were battling well and even had chances of their own – Steve Jenyons went close from a corner and Charlie Rodick shot wide while they were only denied an injury-time winner by a goalline clearance as both sides were forced to settle for a point.

Knutsford: Smith, Wooley, Fregapane, Jenyons, Brotherton, Davis (Mawdsley), Kennedy, Cavanagh, Woodward, Mathers (Rodick), Blades