Knutsford 4 Mallaby 1

KNUTSFORD eased to the next stage of the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup on Saturday after ending the challenge of West Cheshire League top-flight outfit Mallaby.

And Reds’ reward is a home clash with Helsby in the last 16 next month.

Liam Myers netted twice, with Tom Rutter and David Owens also on target.

Knutsford’s first chance arrived after quarter of an hour when they countered swiftly following a Mallaby corner.

Steve Jenyons combined with Owens, who fed Mark Evans, and the goalkeeper saved the latter’s shot.

Mallaby also enjoyed chances, the best arriving on 28 minutes when an in-swinging corner was met unopposed by the head of their centre half only to drop wide.

Knutsford responded in style, when a diving header from Scott Beattie was diverted to safety by another smart stop.

However An opening goal arrived shortly after the half-hour mark when Mallaby won a corner, which was not cleared fully by the hosts.

It fell to an opponent on the edge of the box, and his looping shot was turned in for the opener.

Beattie headed over in the 33rd minute following a great delivery from a free kick by Myers, and Knutsford’s frustration boiled over when Rutter received a caution.

Knutsford drew level from a penalty before the break, Myers converting after his shot was handled by a back-marker.

Rutter’s slick finish made it 2-1 after the interval, then Mallaby were reduced to 10 men following a reckless tackle.

Myers scored his 100th goal in a red shirt shortly afterwards, then Owens completed the scoring after skipping around the visitors’ custodian.

Knutsford return to Cheshire League action this Saturday when they visit champions Linotype, who they defeated on the opening day of the season.

Kick off is at 2pm.

Scott Dignan’s men currently lead the way in the Premier Division by a single point from Whaley Bridge, who have played two more matches.

Knutsford: Stanway (GK), Wates, Jenyons, Torbitt, Scott, Beattie (Pickford 73), Mannion, Evans, Owens, Rutter, Myers. Subs not used: Smart, Lynch, Moston.