MARK Evans netted a stoppage-time winner as Knutsford came from behind to beat Helsby in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup on Saturday.

Reds trailed 3-1 early in the second period after David Owens had put them ahead early on, only for Steve Jenyons to score twice before Evans hit the target with time running out.

It seals for Scott Dignan’s side a place in the last eight.

They had started well, taking the lead after the visitors’ custodian spilled the ball for Owens to convert four minutes in.

Chris Kiernan made his debut in goal with John Stanway ruled out by suspension, and he marshalled the back four expertly.

However debutant goalkeeper Chris Kiernan could do little to stop Helsby equalising after 12 minutes, when the West Cheshire League side were the grateful recipients of a gift in the form of Richard Smart’s own goal.

They went further ahead after half an hour, when Knutsford failed to deal with another corner and Gary Jones – left unmarked – nodded home.

Reds poured forward looking to restore parity, but Lee Mannion fired wide and a Scott Beattie cross evaded both Jenyons and Owens before half time.

Two minutes after a stern talking to during the interval, the Manchester Road outfit fell further behind.

Kiernan came for a corner that was held up by the wind and, after gathering the ball at full stretch, he dropped it at an opponent’s feet.

Knutsford responded quickly; Evans fed Mannion, who in turn found Jenyons and he placed a shot into the corner.

By the hour-mark the hosts were level, and Evans was again involved as he picked out James Pickford to deliver a low cross for Jenyons to convert.

Fortune appeared to favour Reds when their guests fluffed a penalty after Matthew Torbitt had been penalised for handball.

And they made it count on 91 minutes, when Evans connected with Jenyons’ assist to send the hosts through.

Knutsford Kiernan (GK), Beattie (Rutter 72), Wates, Smart (Brotherton 63), Torbitt, Mannion, Pickford, Evans, Scott (Lucas 72), Owens, Jenyons