KNUTSFORD FC were left to rue a string of missed chances as they slipped to another defeat on Saturday.

The 2-1 reverse against Avon Villa at Manchester Road made it back-to-back home defeats for Nick Ward’s men and while their display was much-improved, they had nothing to show for it.

The result leaves Reds 11th in the CFL League One table with four wins, six defeats and a draw from their 11 games.

Knutsford started the game at an intense pace but, against the run of play, Avon took a seventh-minute lead when Michael Fielding nodded home a free kick at the far post.

However, that did not knock Knutsford off their stride and they continued to dominate, with the visitors content to wait for counter-attacking opportunities.

Nathan Bibby was particularly lively, sending a left-footed shot narrowly wide while also having a would-be equaliser disallowed for offside.

He would not be denied in the 29th minute, however, as he finished off a good move with a close-range finish to pull Reds level.

Bibby then had another effort well saved by Avon keeper Chris Bigley and after the half-time break, the home dominance continued.

Bibby shot wide having been sent clean through on goal while Tom Bowey and debutant Charlie Edwards both came close with efforts of their own.

Perhaps the clearest chance, however, came when Matthew Astbury held the ball up and turned his man before his shot struck the post.

Graeme Brotherton then sent a header wide from a corner and the visitors were also forced to clear an effort off the line, but they hit their hosts with a sucker punch with 13 minutes left as Tony Davenport calmly scored having been sent through one-on-one.

There was to be one more Knutsford chance – a stretching Bibby just failed to connect with Jack Naylor’s driven cross – but Davenport’s goal proved to be the winner.

Attention turns to the Mid-Cheshire District FA Cup this weekend as Reds make the short trip to Middlewich Town Reserves for a group-stage fixture on Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Team: Smith, Stewart, Cavanagh, Morgan (Summerbee), Brotherton, Law, Kennedy, Edwards (Naylor), Bowey, Astbury, Bibby