Linotype 3 Knutsford 1

CHAMPIONS Linotype inflicted on Knutsford only their second Cheshire League Premier Division defeat of the season on Saturday.

A Phillip Yuille double, along with Kayle Power's effort, proved Scott Dignan’s side’s undoing after they had taken the lead when David Owens converted a penalty.

It knocked Knutsford off top spot, despite having two games in hand, with Whaley Bridge taking over at the summit.

Reds, who lost leading scorer Liam Myers to Barnton last week, started strongly and a Lee Mannion free kick hit the frame of the goal on six minutes.

The same player went close again moments later when he swerved an effort wide, before the visitors' goalkeeper John Stanway was called on to make a smart save at the other end.

On 17 minutes Knutsford edged ahead, when a swift counter-attack from Thomas Rutter ended with Owens being fouled in the penalty area.

The in-form front man stepped up to convert from the spot.

However it did not take the hosts long to respond, and Linotype’s powerful forward rolled defender Steve Jenyons before teeing up Power to make it 1-1.

The hosts continued to apply pressure, and on 44 minutes scored again.

Josh Wates was beaten down the Reds’ right, and a cross fizzed into the area was met by Yuille with a diving header from close range.

Knutsford, struggling to adjust to their opponents' direct style, did create an opening when James Pickford found Rutter.

He supplied a pass for Owens, but his attempt was saved.

Linotype sealed victory on 79 minutes, when Yuille struck from the spot after Matthew Torbitt had fouled Leon Grandison.

Knutsford will attempt to recover at the first attempt when Rudheath visit Manchester Road on Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Knutsford Stanway (GK), Wates (Davies 72), Jenyons, Torbitt, Scott, Beattie (Smart 80), Mannion, Pickford, Evans, Owens, Rutter (Jennings 72)