Knutsford 3 Congleton VR 0

KNUTSFORD were made to work hard for the points that handed them a fourth league title in seven seasons – and with five games left to play.

Ben Brooks provided Reds a 1-0 lead in the early exchanges of a competitive first half and Liam Myers doubled the cushion in the 53rd minute.

An own goal confirmed the league silverware would be sitting next to the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup for the next 12 months.

Congleton were clearly up for the fight though, as teams usually are when facing the league’s benchmark club.

The visitors worked hard to deny the home side opportunities but a few came in the opening half.

With Phil Yuille dominant in midfield, the clever Myers playing deeper than normal and the effervescent Brooks working tirelessly up front, Knutsford were always on the front foot.

A Brooks far-post header went into the goalkeeper’s hands and then with the goal open he snatched at a shot.

Then Myers cleverly slipped in Brooks for his 23rd goal of the season in the 15th minute.

Aaron Dwyer’s driving runs from the right-hand side were causing problems for Congleton’s defence and he shot just over the bar on 32 minutes.

Knutsford, driven on by the desire to win the title, stepped up the intensity in the second half.

In a move involving Ashley Harrison, David Owens and Myers, the ball was fed to Dwyer whose fierce effort just skimmed the bar.

Steven Jenyons and Graham Brotherton, both having a great season, were again solid at the back, allowing few opportunities to their opponents

After Harrison received the ball on the edge of the box he spun and shot.

Although the effort was stopped by the keeper the alert Myers was on hand to follow up and smash home from eight yards his 19th goal of the season.

Dwyer took responsibility for a free kick 25 yards out and hit a ferocious shot that hit the bar and came down two yards out with Ollie Jones just failing to prod home.

On 66 minutes a fierce Dwyer cross from the right was deflected into goal to give Knutsford a comfortable cushion.

There was no let-up in Knutsford’s endeavour though Congleton continued to work hard.

Myers volleyed over the bar, Owens side footed just past the post and Yuille hit a 30-yarder left footer just over the bar before Harrison went close with an effort saved well by the keeper with his feet.

In the end Knutsford did more than enough to gain the three points to become Champions

Knutsford: Ellison, Hare, Lynch, Jenyons, Brotherton, Jones (West), Myers, Yuille, Dwyer (Smart), Harrison, Brooks (Owens). Sub not used: Wilbraham.