Mersey Valley 1-2 Knutsford A

STEVE Jenyons held his nerve to convert a stoppage-time penalty that sent Knutsford A through to the Altrincham and District FA Senior Cup last four.

Reds had to come from behind to do so, avenging a defeat against the same opponents in last season’s final in the process.

It keeps the men from Manchester Road on course to lift the trophy for an eighth time.

They had to withstand pressure from their Cheshire League One hosts in the first-half, when Joel Wilbraham and Rob Spilsbury were tested at the heart of Knutsford’s backline.

The visitors posed little threat at the other end though, and fell behind shortly after the interval when Daniel Watling pounced on a mix-up in defence.

Jordan Gunter’s men improved after the introduction of Bradley Williams, and Mersey Valley goalkeeper Connor Beard had to be alert to thwart Jenyons and Charlie Sheldon.

Reds may have feared their chance had gone when Matthew Schofield, with only Beard to beat, fluffed a chance after Jenyons headed the ball into his path.

However the front man made up for that miss on 83 minutes, finishing smartly after Jenyons had again flicked on.

Their roles were reversed in injury time when Schofield was tripped by Shaun Curley, and Jenyons blasted into the top corner from the resulting spot-kick.

Knutsford A’s reward is a semi-finals date with higher-ranked Broadheath Central.

They return to Cheshire League duty on Saturday week, December 30, when Vulcan’s reserves visit.

Knutsford A | Clifford (GK), Wynne (Roach), Simister, Wilbraham, Spilsbury, Riley (Bradley Williams), Sheldon, Coates (Holland), Harrison (Way), Jenyons, Schofield.