EGERTON secured the bragging rights in Saturday's derby, defeating Knutsford FC 3-1 at home to extend their season's start to nine wins from 11 matches.
The match wasn't a classic, though plenty of endeavour was on show from both sides on the 3G pitch.
Egerton, full of confidence and on a good run of form, had more clear chances and deserved the three points
They were rarely troubled in defence, played a high intensity game and used the hard surface well.
It's been a tough start for new Reds manager Nathan Steele, this being his second game away from home.
Knutsford, with three debutants in their ranks, never really got going but there were some encouraging signs that when the side is settled results should pick-up.
Egerton scored goals early in each half and saw their lead halved in the 75th minute before the contest was killed off in added time.
The hosts, playing with a strong wind in their favour, had the better start and were on the front foot.
A moment to forget arrived for Knutsford in the eighth minute when a corner was headed into his own goal by Markell Bennett at the near post.
Three bookings in the half reflected the intensity of the game with both sides working hard but unable to create or craft opportunities or maintain possession.
Little quality football was played and defending Egerton's long throw-ins was a feature of the opening 40 minutes.
A great strike from a nice passage of play five minutes into the new half made it a long way back for Reds at 2-0.
Steele refreshed his forward players with Andrew Crompton and Shackeel Depeiaza and for the next 15 minutes Knutsford were in the ascendency.
They halved the deficit through an own goal and set their sights on finding a leveller but it did not happen.
Egerton weathered the Knutsford storm and closed the game out in the second minute of added time.
Knutsford: White, Beard, Watkins, Shaw, Brotherton, Riley (Depeiaza), Blair, Bennett, Greenwood, Omorogbe (Hargreaves), Barry (Crompton) Subs not used: Naylor, Geary.
This Saturday, Knutsford host Congleton Reserves at Manchester Road, kick-off 2pm.
Egerton, who sit in fourth place in the Cheshire Football League Premier Division, head to Middlewich Town, also with a 2pm kick-off.
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