Malpas 0-4 Knutsford

‘KEEP on winning games, and see what happens.’

That’s the message from Knutsford chairman Jimmy Evans after Reds put behind them the disappointment of losing to Linotype seven days earlier.

The defending champions returned to second spot in the Cheshire League’s Premier Division as a reward, 11 points adrift of leaders Whaley Bridge with three games in hand.

Crewe visit Manchester Road on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

A trip to Greenalls then follows in midweek.

“It’s still all to play for,” said Evans.

“It’s true that our rivals have a slight advantage, but April is a busy month and everybody risks slipping up.”

Knutsford boss Scott Dignan was forced to make half-a-dozen changes due to unavailability, but it did not prevent his side from running out comfortable victors at Malpas.

They survived a scare when Alex Hughes’ attempt from distance flashed wide, but took the lead when new recruit Alex Crowe fired low into the bottom corner.

A second goal followed after half an hour, when Crowe turned provider with a long diagonal pass towards Alex Mattison.

The front man controlled well, then finished smartly.

Knutsford continued to control proceedings, although referee Oliver Nolan turned down their appeal for a penalty when Liam Myers went down in the box.

Crowe blasted over from distance before Reds added to their advantage when Michael Evans steered in at the back post after meeting Mattison’s cross from the right.

The pick of the visitors’ strikes followed when Myers shot with power direct from a free kick to claim his 20th goal of the season.

Reds eased up significantly afterwards, and skipper Steve Jenyons kept their sheet clean when he timed perfectly a tackle on Hughes.

Evans, Mattison, James Pickford and Myers all had attempts in the closing stages, but by then the outcome had long since been settled.

“Considering the number of players missing that had played the previous game, our shape and teamwork was excellent,” said Evans.

“We were comfortable winners, and played some beautiful football at times that Malpas couldn’t cope with.”

Knutsford head to Warrington on Wednesday to take on lowly Greenalls, kick off 6.30pm.

Knutsford: Moore (GK), Cartner, Lynch, Jenyons, Maunder, Pickford, Crowe, Mannion, Mattison, Myers, Evans.