Formby 2nd 2 Knutsford 5

CAPTAIN Dave Price scored a hat-trick as promotion-chasing Knutsford extended a winning sequence to six matches - their best run of results in the North West Men's League this season.

They were given a fright by hosts Formby, who fought back to 3-2 after conceding three times during a 15-minute spell before the break.

Price broke the deadlock from a short corner, placing his shot low past the home team's goalkeeper to his right.

A second goal followed in identical fashion, this time after Jim Halling and Mat Hodge combined.

When Tom Lewis steered a cross to Sam Bowker, and he deflected in a third, Knutsford were in complete control.

However their standards, and concentration, slipped at the start of the second period.

Formby found the net twice in quick succession, then Price was sent to the sin bin.

Influential player-coach Simon Trenbirth was then forced to end early his involvement after injuring a hamstring.

His side stayed calm, and Bowker laid off for Price who reached a personal treble while establishing a two-goal cushion.

And the points were secure six minutes later when Keelan Sherwani danced his way into the hosts' circle before guiding a tidy finish out of the net-minder's reach for 5-2.

Knutsford stay second in Division Two, two points adrift of leaders Keswick.

They start a double-header this weekend when Lancaster University visit Westfield Drive on Saturday, push back 12.15pm.

A trip to City of Manchester seconds follows on Sunday afternoon.