THE SON of a former Knutsford FC player helped Middlewich beat the Reds on Saturday.

Lee Murphy, whose dad Terry was a freescoring forward for Knutsford in the late 1950s, scored one of three goals for the away side at Manchester Road.

He met a Dave Shore cross, which was helped on by a header, and set the visitors on their way to an impressive win.

Middlewich, now also managed by former Reds player Terry, were often too powerful and imposing for Knutsford to deal with. Jamie Wilkinson's stout defending was the main reason they were kept at bay.

However, the home side played their part in a thoroughly entertaining Mid- Cheshire League Division One game.

The Reds were more composed in the second half, but Middlewich's tall defenders dealt comfortably with high balls that were pumped into their territory.

Before Murphy's opening goal, Mark Jones had rattled the Knutsford crossbar with a free kick and Majiec Starczewski had cleared off the line after a corner.

The Reds seemed to be getting a toehold in the game, but then the visitors broke away in the 57th minute and Graham Kay swept a fine drive past Peckett to make it 0-2. Aidan Brodigan raised

Knutsford's hopes with a surprise shot that was too hot for goalkeeper Kevin Whitehead to hold.

However, no players arrived to follow up and apply the finishing touch.

Two minutes from time Brodigan went one better when he unleashed a 25-yard rocket to give his team a lifeline.

But almost immediately Middlewich's substitute Mike Brandon ended their dreams when he was allowed to go clear and score. The Reds travel to Seddon Street on Saturday for the return fixture against Middlewich at 3pm.

TEAM: Peckett, Starczewski, Sproats, Wilkinson, Ashwell, Cocksedge, G Ingles (Walker, 72), Brodigan, Burton, Goulding, S Johnson.