Eagle Sports 0-0 Knutsford

KNUTSFORD were shut out by an opponent for the fourth time in six matches as a disappointing campaign reached a conclusion in Warrington on Saturday.

Reds finish fourth in the table, a huge 17 points adrift of Whaley Bridge – their successors as Cheshire League champions.

A depleted side struggled again to create chances against Eagle.

Alex Mattison blasted high after being sent clear by David Owens, although he went closer on 25 minutes when his shot from an acute angle was cleared off the line.

At the other end, goalkeeper Sam Moore saved smartly to deny the hosts.

Skipper Steve Jenyons headed over at a corner, although it was Reds’ custodian who again intervened when he blocked with a boot.

Teenager Kieran Holland, promoted from a title-winning Knutsford A side, replaced injured Lee Mannion in midfield after the interval.

Eagle were the better side, and fired a warning when a shot flashed narrowly wide.

Moore continued a fine individual performance with another impressive stop, while Owens was prevented from shooting by alert defenders when Knutsford launched a counter.

Ebbie Rezayan shot high, then Owens twice went close in quick succession.

He conjured the visitors’ clearest opening with eight minutes left, but Alex Crowe’s hurried effort sailed over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

“We fell away during the run-in,” said chairman Jimmy Evans.

“Fourth place is not a good season by the high standards we’ve set for ourselves.”

Knutsford | Moore (GK), Wynne (Dignan 62), Maunder, Jenyons, West, Pickford, Crowe, Mannion (Holland 46), Rezayan, Owens, Mattison