Black Knights close in on Macclesfield (From Knutsford Guardian)

Black Knights close in on Macclesfield

7:40am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in Sport

KNUTSFORD’S men proved too strong for their guests from Bangor University on Saturday, running out 4-1 victors.

Placed fifth in North West Hockey League Division Two, the Black Knights closed to within a point of Macclesfield above them as a reward ahead of a double-header this weekend.

Wilmslow visit on Saturday, before Prescot follow in a rearranged encounter the following day.

Mike Leaning’s hat-trick helped Knutsford’s seconds to score back-to-back wins in Division Five South for the first time this term.

His composed finish broke the deadlock at Triton seconds, slotting skipper Rich Jones’ deflected cross past the home team’s net-minder.

A second goal followed when Ben Cashmore, along in the D, scored at the second attempt after the goalkeeper had parried his first effort with a pad.

When Chris Drake sent a reverse stick volley towards goal to make it 3-0, the contest appeared over.

Triton scored twice early in the second period to reduce their arrears, the first following a short corner routine before another goal followed after an interception.

Jones, despite carrying an injury, provided a centre for Leaning to restore Knutsford two-goal advantage only for the home team to close the gap again.

The visitors made safe the points with time running out, Jones making a decisive run down the right before supplying an assist for Leaning to reach a deserved treble.

Nick Young’s double helped Knutsford thirds to register a come-from-behind win against their Triton counterparts in Division Eight South East.

In the Cheshire Women’s League, Sale completed a double over Knutsford after recording a comfortable 5-0 success at Westfield Drive.

This weekend marks perhaps the most important match of the season, when third-bottom Knutsford travel to the team currently one place below them, Oxton.

The gap between the teams is three points before push back.

North West Men’s League Division Two, Saturday: Knutsford 4 Bangor University 1. Division Five South: Triton 2nds 3 Knutsford 2nds 5. Division Eight South East: Triton 3rds 1 Knutsford 3rds 2. Cheshire Women’s League Division One: Knutsford 0 Sale 5.