Whaley remain on course for a top four finish after a 1-1 draw against reigning League Champions Knutsford.

Knutsford, who will relinquish their crown having fallen short of top spot, took a second half lead through James Pickford before Ray Dwolitka equalised shortly after for the home side.

Having won 2-0 in the reverse fixture with one of their finest performances of the season, Whaley were confident of completing a double at Horwich Park but came up against a lively Knutsford side that was good value for a point.

The game offered plenty in the way of goalmouth action for those in attendance with the first chance of the game falling to Dwolitka who bustled his way into a shooting position before unleashing a fierce drive which hit the underside of the bar but bounced the wrong side of the goal line before being cleared.

The big striker proved a thorn in the visitors’ side all afternoon and he saw another shot go wide just before the break.

At the other end James Tattersall saved well from the lively Joe Woolley and Kingsley Grandison’s free-kick struck the bar before Rob Newton bravely blocked the follow up.

On a sweltering day, the half-time whistle was a welcome interruption to a frantic 45 minutes which ended goalless but not without incident.

After the break Knutsford took the initiative and capitalised on the hosts’ sluggish start to the half when they took the lead following a neat exchange of passes which culminated in a cool finish from Pickford.

The lead was short-lived though as Whaley drew level just five minutes later; Jack Gregory released Dwolitka who's shot found its way in despite the ‘keeper managing to get a hand to the effort.

Both sides had opportunities to win the game thereafter but Whaley squandered chances through Joe Burgess who fired over from a tight angle before seeing another effort smothered by the ‘keeper.

Joe Woolley found James Tattersall equal to his speculative 30 yard try before Whaley’s number one made a superb low stop from a snap shot before reacting to clear the loose ball himself.

Visiting striker Vinnie Braine directed his header just wide from a free-kick in what was the final chance of an entertaining encounter between the two sides.

Today (Monday) Whaley face Middlewich Town in their final home game of the season.  Three points could see them move into second place.

The reserves slumped to a narrow defeat against fellow title challengers Barnton on Saturday but will be hoping to bounce straight back against Middlewich Town Reserves today (Monday).

Team: Tattersall, Walker (Brown), Newton, Moss, Whelan, J Burgess (Broome), Gregory (Bailey), G Burgess, Dwolitka, Christie

Man of the Match: Ray Dwolitka