Knutsford 0 Linotype 2

REDS’ woeful run of form at Manchester Road continued on Saturday when defeat to Linotype made it five successive home games without a win.

The loss, Knutsford’s fourth of the season as hosts, leaves the reigning Cheshire League champions 11 points adrift of leaders Garswood United.

John Ferguson’s men have played two more games.

Linotype scored twice without reply as Leon Grandison, brother of Knutsford’s recent recruit Kingsley, hit the net before Raul Corriea settled the outcome with a penalty late on.

Grandison ought to have put the visitors ahead inside 60 seconds, but blazed over Jack Taylor’s cross.

Former Reds front man Reece Davies, who left for Linotype at the same time Grandison moved in the opposite direction, drove his first attempt over goalkeeper Mark Higgs’ crossbar.

Knutsford almost took the lead against the run of play when Mike Cartner’s long ball sent Gary Prescott clear, but his first-time effort was parried by net-minder Danny Rothel.

Davies found himself unmarked at the far post moments later when Taylor’s free kick was flicked on by Knutsford skipper Steve Jenyons, but volleyed wide.

Linotype’s high pressing game was proving successful; Adam Stuart won the ball from Knutsford’s Grandison in midfield before firing a low effort directly at Higgs.

Knutsford’s best chance fell to Joe Woolley on the edge of the area from Richard Smart’s cross but, after controlling on his chest, he volleyed off target.

Linotype broke the deadlock seven minutes after the interval, Grandison bending in a free kick from 25 yards.

Former Altrincham striker Rod Thornley, on as a substitute, hit a left-footed strike straight at Rothel before fellow replacement Liam Myers laid off for Woolley who hit wide.

The visitors secured a victory in the last minute when Jenyons tripped Grandison, Corriea sending Higgs the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

Knutsford Higgs (GK), Cartner, Smart, Beattie, Jenyons, Grandison, Woolley, Pickford, Prescott, Braine (Thornley 64), Williamson (Myers 64).