IT is safe to say Nathan Steele’s first game in charge of Knutsford FC did not go at all to plan.

The new manager could only watch on as his side crashed out of the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup, losing 3-0 at Poulton Victoria.

Steele gave the players he inherited chance to impress, but it is fair to say very few if any took that opportunity.

Playing a counter-attacking game, Poulton forced Reds keeper Martyn White into a good save before finally taking the lead in the 17th minute, taking advantage of several mistakes on the Knutsford left flank.

Nathan Barry went close on two occasions as the visitors sought a route back into the contest, but they were still getting caught on the break by the hosts.

Poulton doubled their lead 10 minutes before half time as Knutsford inexplicably allowed a free kick to bounce inside their area and the hosts again took advantage.

A goalline clearance spared Reds any further damage before the break and after it, Joe Holt had an effort well saved as they set about a comeback.

Hopes of that happening lasted just 10 minutes, however, as a third Poulton goal extinguished any thought of them letting their lead slip.

Reds continued to huff and puff, with Mikale Williams having a goal chalked off for offside, but were distinctly second-best on the day.

Steele takes charge of his first league game on Saturday as he takes his side to Lostock Gralam for a 2pm kick off.

Knutsford: White, Blair, Quinn (Naylor), Lambert (Allen), Manson, Riley, Butler, France (Williams), Hanson, Holt (Koomson), Barry (Geary)