Knutsford 3 Greenalls PSO 0

KNUTSFORD were reduced to 10 men, but still proved too strong for guests Greenalls as they recorded a fourth successive win in the Cheshire League.

Reds already led 1-0 thanks to Liam Myers’ penalty when Chris Hilton was shown a red card, though late goals from Joe Woolley and substitute Tom Rutter settled the outcome in the hosts’ favour.

The result also ends a 14-game sequence without a clean sheet, but they relied on goalkeeper Mark Higgs to make an important save to thwart Lee Vaughan early on.

Lee Mannion’s well-struck volley from distance was turned around the post at the other end by opposition stopper Craig Clare.

Knutsford had the chance to take the lead when Kingsley Grandison won possession and attempted to round Greenalls’ net-minder, only to be brought down.

Myers converted from the spot to put the hosts in front.

Hilton’s dismissal followed in the seconds before half time, a punishment for allegedly striking an opponent while waiting for a set piece to be delivered.

After the break, Joe Lucas’ volley from Grandison’s corner was blocked on the line before Mannion’s effort was tipped over.

Greenalls’ best chance came with 10 minutes remaining when Alex Hardman nodded over Gareth Johns’ corner.

Three minutes later Knutsford had doubled their advantage when Rutter reached chipped up a ball for Woolley at the far post to head home.

Grandison then sent Rutter clear and the second half replacement delicately lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper to secure a merited victory.

Knutsford Higgs (GK), Lucas, Smart, Hilton, Jenyons, Beattie, Grandison, Mannion (Rutter 70), Braine (Lynch 46), Myers (Swift 85), Woolley.