Newton-le-Willows started the game on the front foot and were relentless in attack during the opening 20 minutes, pinning Knutsford back and repeatedly looking to make things happen down the left.

Ben Mather was at the heart of much of Newton’s early threat, causing constant problems for the Knutsford right-back with his direct running and willingness to take his man on. Alex Barron, Craig Winer and Joe Charleston all had efforts as Newton pushed for an early breakthrough.

For all of the pressure, though, the quality of the chances was limited and Knutsford were able to weather the early spell without being seriously troubled.

As the half wore on, the game began to even out and became a much more competitive contest, with neither side able to find a way through before the break.

There were changes at half-time before Newton were forced into another reshuffle when Matty Smith picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Matty Hart.

The biggest moment of the game came just before the hour mark. Knutsford broke quickly and their attacker found himself racing through towards Alfie Speakman. Flynn Bickerstaffe worked hard to get back and attempted a last-ditch challenge, but brought the forward down and was shown a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Down to ten men, Newton had to dig in but continued to offer a threat going forward. Mather remained lively and forced the Knutsford keeper into a good save as Newton looked for a way through.

The home side eventually took advantage of the extra man in the 86th minute, finding the breakthrough to make it 1-0.

Newton kept pushing and were handed a late lifeline deep into stoppage time when the referee awarded a penalty for handball against a Knutsford defender. It was a generous decision from a Newton point of view, but Anthony Plant made no mistake from the spot to level the game at 1-1.

There was even time for one final moment of frustration. Ash Hammond broke forward down the right with space ahead of him, only for the referee to blow for full-time before the attack could develop.

It finished 1-1, with Newton earning a hard-fought point after playing more than half an hour with ten men.