Greenhalls PSO 2 Knutsford 0

KNUTSFORD’S title hopes look to be over after defeat at Greenhalls on Saturday left them trailing leaders Linotype Cheadle having played four games more.

Reds sit two points behind the Cheshire League top flight leaders, but have only three games remaining to Linotype’s seven.

Thomas Rutter found strike partner David Owens early on, but his header zipped over the crossbar.

The hosts thought they had taken the lead moments later, only to be ruled offside, while keeper John Stanway was forced into a save soon after.

Sean Lynch delivered several crosses into the Greenhalls area, but with Knutsford failing to commit players forward the threat of Owens and Rutter was easily dealt with.

And it was the hosts who took the lead 10 minutes after the break. Stanway had saved well from an initial Ben McWilliams effort, but from the corner Paul Molloy bundled home.

Lee Mannion found Owens as the Manchester Road outfit looked for a response, but he fired wide and moments later hit a good effort narrowly past the post.

But with 15 minutes remaining a defensive error from Reds allowed to McWilliams in and he headed over the advancing Stanway to double the hosts’ lead.

Lewis Moston was introduced for the injured Scott Beattie as boss Scott Dignan pushed Steve Jenyons up front late one, but Knutsford could not break down their opponents.

The defeat knocked Knutsford off of top spot, they return to action next Tuesday at Rylands, kick off 6.30pm.

Knutsford: Stanway, Beattie (Moston), Smart, Wates, Jenyons, Davies, Mannion, Wolden, Lynch, Rutter, Owens Subs not used: Morris, Dignan.