Knutsford 6 Altrincham res 0

AS starts go, Knutsford could not have asked for better.

Reds followed up an opening-day success against Warrington Town’s reserves in midweek by brushing aside Altrincham’s second string on Saturday.

David Owens scored a hat-trick, and Scott Dignan’s men were too good for their guests.

“We’re happy, of course, but there’s more to come,” said chairman Jimmy Evans.

“Both games have been against young sides with lots of energy, and they’ve made us work hard.”

Owens stroked in a penalty after Ben Brooks had been fouled, then doubled the home team’s lead at Manchester Road after combining with their new recruit.

Dean Warburton deserved more than to be denied by goalkeeper Cameron Terry after waltzing past three defenders, while Reds enjoyed at let-off at the other end when Darius Palma shot feebly.

Brooks made it 3-0 on 35 minutes when he was first to a rebound after Phil Yuille’s left-footer had been parried into his path.

Two more summer signings, Yuille and Ash Harrison, combined to tee up Brooks for his second goal of the contest – Reds’ fourth – before half-time.

A lull at the start of the second period allowed Altrincham to enjoy their best spell, and Palma’s attempt was blocked.

Sam Moore then stopped a penalty after Warburton had tripped an opponent, providing a jolt for the hosts.

Owens completed a personal treble with a smart finish after contributing to a move that also included Harrison and Brooks on the right.

Warburton then claimed a goal his individual performance deserved when he smashed home after making room for a shot on the edge of the penalty area.

Terry continued to impress between the posts for the young Robins, tipping over James Pickford’s rising drive at full-stretch.

Harrison fired high from substitute Scott Beattie’s assist before fellow replacement Richard Smart sent a header narrowly off-target.

He then sliced horribly wide after Harrison picked him out at the far post.

There was still time for Terry to thwart Harrison in the closing stages, but Reds had long been on cruise control.

They were due at Greenalls Padgate St Oswald’s last night, Wednesday, after the Guardian went to press.

Reds do not have a fixture this weekend, but trip to Linotype follows on Tuesday, kick off 6.30pm.

Knutsford | Moore (GK), Jones (Beattie 65), Jenyons, Hare (Brotherton 61), Lynch, Warburton, Pickford, Yuille, Owens (Smart 72), Harrison, Brooks Sub not used McKenzie