Town's lose

edge - and

the match

Knutsford 0

Rylands 1

LAST season Knutsford weren't beaten at home until their last match in the Mid-Cheshire League.

But they lost in their first game at Manchester Road this season as Rylands took victory on Saturday.

A growing injury list, now including Stuart Walker and Ryan Gilligan, severely tested Knutsford's strength in depth.

And with suspensions due to kick in soon Knutsford manager Kenny Harrison knows he needs some new recruits to stand a realistic chance of taking the title.

Saturday's encounter provided plenty of good football - the Warrington club have a young and energetic line-up and worked hard.

Knutsford, chasing the game in the second half, enjoyed plenty of possession, but missed the pace of Walker their turbo-charged winger.

The decisive goal came two minutes before half-time when Paul Massey was allowed time and space at the back post to head Rylands into the lead.

The home team had one or two half chances, but lacked an edge and will have to work on this aspect of their game.

Knutsford: D Johnson, Flanagan, Kenyon, Hall, Leigh, Iddon, Deeley, Morley (Barnhill 80 mins), Jones, Dow, Gilligan (Davy 18 mins). Sub: (N/U) Evans.

Rylands: Beard, Walsh, Charnock, Pick, Hamman, Buckley, Callaghan, Taylor, Ryan, Jeffries, Massey. Subs: Addison, Barratt, Owen.

Tonight (Wednesday), Knutsford are in action at Manchester Road when Lostock Gralam are visitors for a league game (Kick off 6.30pm.)

And on Saturday Middlewich Town, back in the Mid-Cheshire League, are visitors with kick off at 3pm.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.