KNUTSFORD FC came out on top 5-0 at Middlewich Town in the Cheshire League Premier Division.

In the last of the midweek fixtures, a minut'e silence was held for the legendary Terry Murphy - a former and highly successful manager of Middlewich who started his playing career at Knutsford in 1957.

Reds made four changes and welcomed the return of Liam Myers up front for his 198th game for the club in the past 10 years.

The away side started well and on the front foot but it was Hughes of Middlewich who had the first chance, flashing his shot wide of the left post.

Brotherton was booked for a late challenge on the edge of the box.

On 13 minutes Knutsford went ahead after Riley swept a long pass into the left channel for Moran who ran on, looked up and smashed home.

Moran nearly made it 2-0 minutes later after good control and a first-time volley which flew just past the post.

Knutsford had a clear penalty denied after a handball in the box.

Reds were playing well and creating chances with RB Sutherland driving down the right side and Myers holding the ball up and always probing.

Smith went on a good run but his shot was well saved by Knutsford keeper Spencer, though Middlewich rarely troubled Knutsford’s back three of Maunder, Brotherton and Mountney.

Cartner fired just over, Brotherton cleverly found Moran who shot just wide from 20 yards out.

On 34 mins left-back Wilbraham suffered a head injury and was replaced by Williams in a number 10 type role with Cartner moving to left-back.

Myers fed Williams inside the box but his shot was saved.

The sub then drilled a corner from the right to the near post and Myers was first to the ball to head into the far corner for his 152nd goal for the club on 38 minutes.

Moran, felled on the edge of the box, took the resulting free kick but it was well saved by goalkeeper Masters.

An excellent long pass from Williams curled into the path of Moran who again finished well from the left side for 3-0 on 44 minutes

Knutsford struck again on 47 minutes after great work by Myers in the box who was brought down for a clear penalty.

Riley stepped up and dispatched well.

A rising shot from Cartner from the edge of the box went just over.

Myers, free on the left, surprisingly screwed a shot just wide and Williams had a narrow miss.

Myers and Moran had another chance each as it was all Knutsford.

A free kick from Middlewich went high and wide, then from a good move they shot over the bar as the contest became even for a 10-minute spell.

Brad Williams replaced Myers on 78 minutes and on 80 minutes set up Davies to finish well 5-0.

West then had a great effort saved by GK Masters

It could have been more against a Middlewich side that worked hard but lacked quality.

Knutsford controlled and dominated the game with a team performance and created many chances while rarely disturbed at the back.

A much needed three points after a disappointing start to the season and a busy August nearly completed.

Brotherton and Myers made a difference, Moran had an excellent game

Team: Spencer, Sutherland, Wilbraham (Williams), Maunder, Brotherton, Mountney, Riley, Butler (Davies), Cartner, Myers (West), Moran.

Knutsford visit Crewe on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, and then Mallaby in the Cheshire Cup on Septmber 7, kick-off 3pm.