Knutsford 7 Keswick 1

KNUTSFORD saved their best performance of the season so far for their most important match.

The Black Knights proved too strong for their Cumbrian guests, with doubles from Keelan Sherwani and Jonny Price inspiring the hosts to record an eighth win from their past nine league matches.

They close to within two points of their second-placed opponents as a reward.

Keswick took the lead in fortunate circumstances when an attempt at goal deflected past net-minder Tom Wright off Iain Lawrence's shoulder.

However their luck did not last long.

Tom Lewis' scuffed shot deceived the visitors' goalkeeper to restore parity, and 30 seconds later Mat Hodge steered in a stylish second.

Captain Dave Price converted a penalty stroke after a goal-bound effort had been blocked illegally from his own short corner drag-flick.

His brother Jonny made it 4-1 when he squeezed in a shot from an acute angle.

But Sherwani's strike, with force from distance, was the pick of Knutsford's first-half haul.

The home team continued to dominate in the second period, during which Tom Howard and Max Berkeley posed a constant threat from wide positions.

Sherwani added his second goal, the Black Knights' sixth, following another trademark dribble past tiring defenders.

And the rout was complete when Jonny Price's shot ricocheted off the Keswick goalkeeper's helmet into the roof of the net - Knutsford's 77th goal of the season in North West Men's League Division Two.

They visit struggling Manchester this Saturday, push back 1.30pm.