KNUTSFORD FC can host table toppers AFC Knowsley with a little bit more confidence on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.

Nathan Steele’s side bagged their first win in nine matches at the weekend, pouring more misery on the Cheshire Football League Premier Division bottom team Daten 4-0 in the process.

It was a good day for Graeme Brotherton to become the 21st player to reach 100 games over the past eight years.

The composed and cultured centre half, an excellent passer of the ball who joined Reds in 2016, received a plaque for his achievement before kick-off.

But the headline grabber was Andrew Crompton scoring a hat-trick to help Knutsford turn the tide in form, while all four goals came before young substitute Ben Geary was sent off in the 75th minute.

Matthew Hanson hit the post while Reds were down to 10 men as Knutsford’s dominance remained.

Daten had three decent chances throughout the game but were poor overall and Steele knows that better performances will be necessary to make progress against the stronger teams.

The first goal came from a slice of fortune in the 25th minute.

The Daten keeper spilled the ball and Barry was there to tap in.

Then from a corner on the left, Crompton glanced a header just over the line on 35 minutes.

Two minutes later, following a pass from Bennett, Crompton looked up from 20 yards and chipped the ball over the keeper for 3-0.

McCarthy-Brooks went off with a hamstring injury on 40 minutes but Knutsford turned round with a much deserved lead.

Crompton was the first to react to a great through ball from Naylor at the near post to fire home for his hat-trick and put the game beyond Daten on 52 minutes.

A couple of excellent saves by Shaw kept the clean sheet intact before the game started to peter.

Young substitute Geary was fouled but reacted badly and was sent-off to leave Knutsford ending the game with 10 men but still not looking like they would concede a goal.

Knutsford: Beard, McCarthy-Brooks (Hanson), Watkins, Shaw, Brotherton, Riley, Bennett, Crompton (Reed), Naylor (Beadle), Barry (Geary), Omorogbe Sub not used: Greenwood.