Bangor University 2 Knutsford 3

KNUTSFORD completed a double over their Welsh opponents, winning their latest head-to-head by the same score as their previous one.

The Black Knights have now won five of their past half dozen matches in North Men’s League Division Two, leaving them four points adrift of a promotion position.

Their margin of victory might have been greater this time around too.

Knutsford edged ahead when David Price was afforded too much time by the hosts’ defence on the top of the D and his shot deflected off a back-marker’s stick in a direction the goalkeeper did not expect.

Bangor replied five minutes later with a fast break down the left on the counter attack, the resulting cross picking out an unmarked attacker to send the ball past goalkeeper Jason Punshon.

Knutsford went ahead a second time when David Price’s cross reached man of the match Howard, who powered his way between defenders to convert high into the net.

Vice captain Simon Locke spent time in the sin bin for dissent, but the visitors preserved their lead until Stuart Kenyon arrived at the near post to divert a cross from the right past the home team’s custodian for 3-1.

Bangor replied before full time, but rarely looked likely to avoid defeat.

Knutsford skipper Mat Hodge said afterwards: “The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.”

Knutsford host seconds this weekend, push back 2pm.

n Results North Men’s League Division Two, Saturday: Bangor University 2 Knutsford 3. Division Five South: Knutsford 2nds 1 Deeside Ramblers 4ths 3. Division Seven South East: Brooklands 5ths 4 Knutsford 3rds 3.

Cheshire Women’s League Division One: Bowdon 4ths 0 Knutsford 1.