Knutsford 1-2 Eagle Sports

KNUTSFORD began the defence of their Cheshire League title with a defeat that reminded a rebuilt side of the standard required at a higher level.

They hope to demonstrate an improvement when they visit Malpas tonight, Wednesday.

A slow start last Saturday left them playing catch-up.

Joel Wilbraham’s mistake gifted to Eagle’s Josh Purcell an opportunity to score, and he lobbed goalkeeper Callum Spencer to do exactly that.

The home team’s custodian was called on to tip over another attempt moments later.

Knutsford steadied themselves, and restored parity when Bradley West stroked a left-footed shot into the far corner after holding off a defender.

However an enforced reshuffle, after Bradley Williams succumbed to a foot injury, appeared to knock them off course.

Substitute Scott Beattie played as a striker, while West moved out wide.

Mark Evans’ low attempt forced Eagle goalkeeper Andrew Stringer to save smartly before the break.

Reds created another chance early in the second-half when Evans found Beattie, and he swivelled before shooting high over the crossbar.

Stringer was rarely required to intervene, although the Warrington outfit breathed a sigh of relief when Matthew Harrison’s goal was ruled out for offside.

Management duo Jordan Gunter and Jamie Mottershead sent on midfielder Aaron Clayton, borrowed from neighbours 1874 Northwich, for Lee Mannion.

However it was another young prospect, Nathan Okome, that impressed.

Harrison fired over after cutting inside, while at the other end Spencer saved a free-kick.

Okome’s effort was wayward after Beattie had combined with West before Eagle netted a decisive goal with quarter of an hour left to play.

Substitute Luke Sutton’s finish was sharp after a neat move, and he almost converted another cross to make it 3-1 as Knutsford were pressed into defence.

Matthew Davies, a replacement for West, went closest to scoring a leveller when he prompted Stringer to help an attempt from distance around an upright.

Knutsford are scheduled to visit Billinge on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

They are then due to host promoted Middlewich Town at Manchester Road next Tuesday, kick-off 6.30pm.

Knutsford | Spencer (GK), Wynne, Simister, Wilbraham, Spilsbury, Williams (Beattie 37), Mannion (Clayton 54), Okome, Harrison, Evans, West (Davies 81) Subs not used Schofield, Hargreaves