Poynton 2 Knutsford 4

KNUTSFORD established a three-point lead at the Cheshire League Premier Division summit when they saw off Poynton at the weekend.

Goals from Mark Evans, Liam Myers, David Owens and Tom Rutter sealed a fifth win for Scott Dignan’s side from the season's first half-dozen matches.

Goalkeeper John Stanway was forced into a low save from an early Poynton free kick, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock shortly afterwards.

Myers drilled a pass out left to Owens, who delivered a powerful cross converted by Evans at the end of a perfectly-timed run.

Rutter's volley looped over the hosts' goalkeeper's head and hit the crossbar, while Matthew Torbitt also went close following a surging run and shot.

Evans was then denied after attempting a cheeky chip on 23 minutes.

Knutsford made their class tell in the second period, Rutter controlling Owens' perfect pass before skipping around the goalkeeper to score.

Arian Kalantari halved the deficit when he punished a defensive lapse, but Reds responded when Owens applied the finishing touch to a move involving Sean Lynch, Myers and substitute Jonny Scott.

Steve Kirby's speculative effort made it 3-2, but Myers ended hopes of a comeback with two minutes left.

Knutsford: Stanway (GK), Beattie, Lynch, Jenyons (Smart), Torbitt, Pickford, Mannion (Wates), Evans, Owens, Myers, Rutter (Scott). Sub not used: Jennings.