KNUTSFORD FC’S fine start to the Cheshire Football League season keeps rolling on.

Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Upton JFC – a game in which they were 3-0 up inside 15 minutes – extended their unbeaten run in CFL League One to five matches and ensured that, alongside Warrington side Daten, they lead the division after 12 games.

The two sides have identical records – seven wins, three defeats and two draws – but Knutsford’s marginally inferior goal difference sees them in second place.

With neighbours Egerton just three points further back having played a game less, it has certainly been a promising opening to the campaign in our region.

At a dry Manchester Road on Saturday, Knutsford were simply too good for their visitors and effectively had the game won thanks to a five-minute purple patch in the game’s opening stages.

It took 10 minutes for them to break the deadlock as Graeme Brotherton headed a corner back across goal for Gregory Mathers to net the opener.

Barely a minute later, the lead was doubled as Mathers turned provider, feeding Patrick Draper to slot home.

And when Draper then provided the final pass for Thi-Reece Lenihan to finish low down, it was already a case of how many Reds may score.

However, Upton managed to stem the flow and managed to pull a goal back just shy of the half-hour mark against the run of play, but the hosts were firmly in command.

Their dominance continued after the break, with Draper heading wide from a Max Kennedy corner early in the second half.

Then, the killer fourth goal did arrive in fine style just before the hour mark as Brandon Blades, who had come off the bench at half time, lashed home a left-footed effort from the edge of the area.

Substitute Nathan Jackson then spurned a couple of chances to add his name to the scoresheet while at the other end, keeper Dominic Smith made a good save late on to ensure the scoreline stayed at 4-1.

Reds are at home again on Saturday as they welcome FC St Helens Reserves.

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham, Wooley, Maunder, Brotherton, Sheldon, Kennedy, Mathers, Woodward, Draper, Lenihan. Subs used: Blades, Rodick, Newman, Jackson