Trafford FC...3

KNUTSFORD came out of this incredible game with flying colours and all three points as Trafford's frustrations reached boiling point.

No fewer than four of their players were shown the red card as Knutsford's youngsters brought them to their knees with a thrilling display of attacking football.

In the 12th minute Beattie chased what appeared to be a lost cause but his determination brought a poor clearance from the goalkeeper which fell to Simon Thornley 25 yards out.

The striker controlled with his first touch before driving the ball home to give the visitors a shock early lead.

Minutes later, Thornley found himself in the same position and made no mistake as he beat the keeper.

Trafford began to show signs of a suspect temperament as Hodson was given his marching orders.

But several Knutsford passes fell short as Trafford took advantage to pull a goal back.

Knutsford goalkeeper Mottershead took the sting out of a goal-bound shot but Thorpe read the danger and calmly cleared the ball off the line.

After the break Jimmy Evans stepped up to convert a crucial penalty to stretch the visitors' lead.

Trafford were in danger of bringing the game to the brink as several players were sent off.

Substitute Pip Cartner was only on the pitch for 10 minutes before blasting Knutsford into an emphatic 4-1 lead.

Chester, Robinson and Greenhalgh were all sent off at regular intervals as the home side collapsed.

Incredibly, their remaining seven men mounted a late fight-back and scored two more goals, but Knutsford held on as Cartner's goal proved to be crucial.

Knutsford's Gary Long was man of the match.

On Saturday they have another tough away game at Sale Amateurs, kick off 2pm.

TEAM: J Mottershead, A Jackson, A Long, J Evans, N Thorp, M Stimpson, J Morphet, D Jones, G Long, D Beattie, S Thornley. Substitutes: P Cartner (for Stimpson) P Hayhurst (for Thornley.)