KNUTSFORD can start September with a smile after extending an unbeaten run to three matches on Tuesday.

Improving Reds moved towards the Cheshire League Premier Division table's top-half after recording their second victory of the campaign in convincing fashion at Manchester Road.

A trip to FC St Helens follows on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

However they head there buoyed by following up an encouraging performance in a weekend draw with Pilkington with another.

There was early promise when Jack Lever tried his luck from distance, forcing Crewe custodian Callum Shuttlewood to save smartly.

The hosts looked assured with Michael Cartner back in the team at the base of their midfield, and Bradley West's attempt was next to call the visitors' number one into action.

At the other end, Callum Spencer thwarted Nathan Southern.

Knutsford's next chance fell to Kallum McDonough, but he couldn't find the net after finding himself face-to-face with the goalkeeper.

A breakthrough did arrive five minutes before the break though when Aaron Clayton got on the end of West's assist before firing home.

And they added to their advantage early in the second-half when West converted from the penalty spot after he had been tripped inside the box - his eighth goal of the campaign.

The front man went close with a left-foot attempt and Clayton sent an effort too high as Knutsford dominated.

Richard Smart, on as a substitute, also fluffed an opportunity when he sliced wide.

Reds enjoyed the majority of possession, and they resisted Crewe's pressure when the visitors attempted to find a way back in to the game.

An impressive display had gloss added on 80 minutes when Joel Wilbraham raided down the right before sliding a pass into Mark Evans' path.

He stepped around Shuttlewood before steering the ball in from an angle.

Knutsford | Spencer (GK), Wilbraham, Wynne, Lever, Spilsbury, Simister, Evans, Cartner, Clayton (Sheldon 78), West (Davies 83), McDonough (Smart 53)