KNUTSFORD could not build on a victory in their previous game when they went to St Helens and instead gifted their hosts maximum points.

It is a setback ahead of renewing a rivalry with old foes Whaley Bridge at Manchester Road on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Reds played catch-up last weekend from the moment goalkeeper Callum Spencer collided with defender Rob Spilsbury, leaving Callum Laird the simplest of tasks to roll the ball into an empty net.

Knutsford included front man Kyle Riley for the first time following a move from 1874 Northwich, and he restored parity with a brilliant strike from distance.

The former Winsford United attacker turned his marker before sending a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from 25 yards.

Laird’s attempt hit the crossbar at the other end before Spencer produced his best to tip over another attempt before the break.

Knutsford dominated the opening exchanges after half-time, playing in their hosts’ half while pressing for another goal.

Riley went close, Joel Wilbraham volleyed wide from a promising position and Aaron Clayton’s header was off-target.

Instead they fell behind a second time when Jack Lever clipped Laird inside the penalty area and the St Helens attacker converted the resulting spot-kick.

The visitors sent on Scott Beattie and Matthew Davies in their quest for an equaliser, changing formation to 4-3-3, but it did not bear fruit and they lost for the fifth time in nine Cheshire League matches this season.

Knutsford | Spencer (GK), Wilbraham, Wynne, Lever, Spilsbury, Simister (Smart, Beattie), Okome, Sheldon, Clayton, West (Davies), Riley