Blackburn Northern 3 Knutsford 2

KNUTSFORD'S five-match winning sequence came to a halt at the weekend against rivals for promotion.

The Black Knights slip to fourth in North West Men's League Division Two as a result, while their conquerors Blackburn Northern take over top spot.

The new leaders were gifted an opportunity to take the lead on Saturday when Tom Adams' poorly-timed challenge conceded a penalty flick that the hosts duly converted.

Stuart Kenyon, directing operations from midfield, inspired a recovery.

His teammates were thankful to goalkeeper Tom Wright though when he made a stunning stop following a short corner.

Sam Bowker, last weekend's five-goal hero, squandered two chances to increase his goal tally for the campaign before Knutsford did draw level when skipper Dave Price converted a penalty flick.

They had opportunities to take the lead, but too often were let down by a final pass in the attacking third.

Instead Blackburn edged ahead early in the second period from a short corner given away by Kenyon, then made it 3-1 after attacking the guests' defence in the same area of the pitch.

The Black Knights ignited hopes of pinching a point when Bowker found the net with five minutes left.

Player-coach Simon Trenbirth thought he had claimed an equaliser when he drilled past the hosts' custodian from a short corner, only for a defender to block his goal-bound attempt.

Knutsford visit neighbours Macclesfield this Saturday, push back 3pm.

Results

Cheshire Women's League

Division Two: Knutsford 3 Golborne 0

North West Men's League

Division Six South: Knutsford 2nd 5 Rhyl & District 2nd 2

Division Eight South East: Sandbach 2nd 0 Knutsford 3rd 3