A THIRD win on the bounce was achieved by Knutsford FC on Saturday when they defeated Styal 5-0 at home.

Kieran Mawdesley and Nathan Jackson each netted twice, and substitute Michael Morris also got his name on the scoresheet against a Styal outfit which did well to field a side after losing their manager the night before.

Observers considered this the Reds’ best performance of the season so far despite a number of team changes due to unavailability but with Graeme Brotherton returning there was more stability in the back four.

Knutsford started on the front foot and went ahead after only one minute following a corner from Max Kennedy to the near post where Jackson headed home.

Jackson, who had netted the only goal in the midweek home win against Congleton Town Reserves, could have bagged his second moments later but headed wide of the target.

Kennedy then shot over the bar as it became instantly clear that Reds would dominate the contest.

Jackson shot into the side netting, Brotherton headed wide and Nick Newman had two good chances before the second goal finally came.

Again it was Jackson who found the mark on the 30th minute, with a deflected header.

Oliver Partington was having a good game but went off injured to be replaced by James Davies on 40 minutes.

Styal missed a decent chance early in the second half before Morris replaced Brandon Blades.

A Knutsford header was cleared off the line by Styal and then Morris made his mark on the game.

On 57 minutes, following a mistake by a Styal defender, Morris turned well and rifled a shot into top corner for 3-0.

Mawdsley then added to the scoreline on 64 minutes and moments later made it 5-0 with a solo effort.

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham, Cavanagh, Maunder, Brotherton, Newman, Kennedy, Pilkington, Mawdsley, Jackson, Blades. Subs used: Morris, Davies.

Reds return to action at Clay Brow in Skelmersdale on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.

The previous Saturday, Knutsford achieved their first win of the season 4-3 against Billinge New Street.

Twelve regulars were absent and a makeshift back four included skipper Jonny Cavanagh.

Knutsford had a dream start and went 1-0 up after one minute with, Box converting well when free on goal But the jubilation of the fans was squashed on six minutes when, following a big mistake, Billinge made it 1-1, Goalkeeper Smith failed to catch a cross, leaving Billinge with an easy finish for 2-1 on 33 minutes.

Knutsford were better and dominant in the second half.

From a cross into the box, Jackson miss-timed his diving header but the ball flew into the net for 2-2 after 47 minutes.

A big mistake by the Billinge defence left Box free on goal and he calmly slotted home his second goal on 65 minutes.

On 75 minutes the ball fell to Rodick in the box and he converted for 4-2 but Billinge kept on working hard and scored at the near post five minutes from time.

Knutsford: Smith, Mawdsley, Pilkington, Maunder, Cavanagh, Newman, Kennedy, Morris, Rodick, Box, Holt. Subs used: Jackson, Haslam, Davies, Mattimore