Knutsford 1 Wythenshawe Town 4

DEPLETED Knutsford fell further from the Cheshire League’s summit after suffering a third successive defeat.

Visitors Wythenshawe reached the Premier Division summit as a reward for beating Reds a second time in less than a fortnight, leaving them seven points clear of Scott Dignan’s side.

The home team, missing half-a-dozen regulars through injury and suspension, included newcomers Redmond Lee and Rico Shamar from the start.

And their task was made more difficult when midfielder James Pickford limped off midway through the opening period after hurting an ankle.

Gavin Salmon’s goal separated the sides at the interval, the front man staying calm to slot past goalkeeper Sam Moore when the two came face-to-face.

Salmon headed over as Wythenshawe looked to double their lead in the second half before captain Steve Jenyons had a long-range effort saved by goalkeeper Ben Daniels.

Knutsford’s pressure paid off when Jenyons, pushed into an attacking role, supplied a cross that Richard Smart prodded in from close range.

However they were on on level terms for long, and Wythenshawe took the lead again 60 seconds later when Josh Dunn waltzed through the home defence before conjuring a clever chipped finish over Moore.

David Owens shot weakly at Daniels, who also denied Jenyons, as Reds attempted to equalise a second time.

However their hopes were dashed when replacement Matt Torbitt conceded a spot kick that Salmon converted with power into the bottom corner.

Smart’s header hit the woodwork late on, and a Torbitt effort flashed wide.

However Chris Curley added gloss by scoring a fourth goal for the visitors before Knutsford midfielder Dean Warburton was sent off for a foul in stoppage time.

Reds return to action on Saturday when Denton, who have risen to fifth following three successive wins, are their hosts.

Knutsford | Moore (GK), Butler, Spilsbury (McDonough 88), Brotherton, Lynch, Pickford (Smart 18), Warburton, Jenyons, Owens, Lee, Shamar (Torbitt 49)