Football manager defies broken hand to lead team to victory

Having put himself in goal for the home game against Altrincham FC Reserves, Ward broke his hand just after the hour mark and had to be replaced by defender Jack Disney.

Rather than head straight to the hospital, however, the Reds boss stayed to guide his team from the sidelines.

His presence clearly inspired his team, who were 1-0 down at the time, as they stormed back to record a 2-1 victory – their first since late-January

Substitutes Aidan McDade and Zoller Gray – both of whom were making their debuts – were on target as Ward’s men moved off the foot of the table with five games of their Cheshire Football League Premier Division campaign remaining.

Things did not start well for the hosts at Manchester Road as Alty, who arrived on an 11-game unbeaten run in all competitions, took the lead after just seven minutes.

A cross from the right was not dealt with by the Knutsford defence and Ryan Morton swept home the opening goal.

With the visitors moving the ball around confidently, it already looked like a long afternoon for the hosts but they responded well to going behind.

They were working hard to craft openings but lacked a cutting edge, with Owen Potts and Tom Bowey having half-chances.

This theme continued into the second half but when they lost their goalkeeper and manager, it looked as though the footballing gods had conspired against them.

Just three minutes later, however, they got the equaliser their efforts deserved as Gray finished off a cross from the right.

Then, with 15 minutes remaining, the game’s decisive moment came as McDade applied the finish to put Knutsford into the lead.

It was now a case of seeing whether they could hold on, and they did so admirably to ensure replacement goalkeeper Disney was not unduly troubled.

Four of Reds’ five remaining games are on home soil but their next game sees them hit the road for the final time this season as they travel to Winstanley Warriors on Saturday, kick off 2pm.