Knebworth came close to securing a valuable point at home to high-flying Hadley. The hosts welcomed the return of prolific striker Louie Evans after a three-month lay-off but manager Tony Lamacraft remained without top scorer Adam Lamacraft following his

Knebworth came close to securing a valuable point at home to high-flying Hadley.

The hosts welcomed the return of prolific striker Louie Evans after a three-month lay-off but manager Tony Lamacraft remained without top scorer Adam Lamacraft following his knee operation.

Knebworth's defence was caught napping in the opening minute.

They half cleared Hadley's first attack only for a second wave to come in the form of Danny Gruar's threaded pass for Ade Osobu who rounded goalkeeper Craig Errington before striking the ball into the empty net.

The hosts were level 15 minutes later through an unlikely source. Seb Evans dropped a free-kick onto the penalty spot and defender Lol Cooper beat Hadley stopper Cons Varnavides to nod goalwards.

Hadley regained the lead around the hour mark. Sub Toby Murrill found the net with his first touch of the ball four minutes after coming on, latching onto a low driven corner at the front post.

Knebworth remain in the thick of a relegation battle in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division.

They sit directly above the drop zone with 20 points from 20 games.