Reds return to winning ways at Manchester Road

KNUTSFORD...2

Athletico...0

FOOTBALL returned to Manchester Road for the first time in nine weeks and Knutsford did it in style.

They faced Athletico in the third round of the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup, but rarely clicked into top form.

Reds' boss Stewart Dow made himself a substitute alongside leading scorer Paul Hartley who returned from a long-standing injury.

It was a stop-start affair with the referee kept busy with a constant stream of petty fouls.

The breakthrough came on 58 minutes when the industrious Paul Fry was bundled over in the visitors' penalty area.

Skipper Chris Leigh drove the resulting spot kick in to put Knutsford ahead.

The home side created one or two half chances with Hitchen curling a shot in from wide on the left which struck the crossbar.

However, with the clock running down it was the visitors who pressed and caused Daine Johnson one or two uncomfortable moments in goal.

Stuart Bell cleared off his own line as an equaliser and extra time looked possible.

However, the introduction of Hartley restored Knutsford's superiority as he collected the ball wide on the left and curled a shot into the far corner to secure a 2-0 success.

In the next round Knutsford face Heswell from the West Cheshire League.

TEAM: Johnson, Bell, Brown, Kenyon, Leigh, Stevens, Masheder, Barnhill (substitute Hartley 55 minutes) Habershon, Fry, Hitchin (substitute Dow 65 minutes) Substitute not used Davy.

On Saturday Knutsford playe Crewe at Manchester Road in the Mid-Cheshire League. Kick off 2.15pm.

MANAGER Stewart Dow has been busy reshaping his squad as Knutsford prepare to push for honours in both league and cup.

Ryan Gilligan has re-signed for the club and Paul Edwards, a former Bramhall player, has also joined.

Meanwhile Mike Burnett, who featured last season, has returned following a transfer from Cheadle Heath Nomads.