Knutsford 10-0 Northern

AFTER five seasons away, Knutsford made an emphatic return to the North West Men’s League top flight at the weekend.

They were helped by their guests playing most of the contest a man down after newcomer Graeme Wolfenden’s drag flick was deflected onto a defender’s cheek, ending his involvement through injury.

The Black Knights were already in front by then, Simon Trenbirth converting after a rebounded ball rolled into his path.

A second goal arrived on 10 minutes when Tom Howard diverted a cross from the left high into the net.

Wolfenden then claimed his first goals for the club either side of Mat Hodge firing with power into the top corner after pinching possession from a Northern back-marker.

The hosts’ next strike, their sixth, was probably their best; a flowing move that started in defence ended with Jonny Price unselfishly teeing up Keelan Sherwani to tap in from close range.

Price got on the scoresheet himself shortly afterwards, finding the net at the second attempt after Stuart Kenyon provided a pass inside the visitors’ D.

There was time for another goal, swept in by Sam Bowker after Iain Lawrence made progress up the right flank before crossing from the baseline.

Outcome settled, Knutsford understandably played at a lower intensity in the second half.

Northern’s defence sat deeper too, keen not to sustain further damage.

They could not prevent in-form Price from completing his hat-trick though.

First, he applied a decisive touch to a short-corner routine.

After that, he completed the scoring by turning in a loose ball after the goalkeeper made an initial save.

They head to Blackburn, promoted from Division Two with them at the end of last season, this Saturday, push back 3pm.

Knutsford Ladies 1-1 Oswestry Ladies

GILL Lunt’s goal earned Knutsford a share of the spoils from their latest Cheshire Women’s League fixture on Saturday.

They rise to ninth in Division Two as a result.

A trip to Sale’s seconds, bottom after losing all three games to date, follows this weekend.

Push back is at 12.30pm.