Reds show true style (From Warrington Guardian)

Reds show true style

KNUTSFORD FC extended their good start to the New Year with a win over Styal.

Manager Stewart Dow was happy with seven points out of a possible nine in 2004.

The result keeps the Manchester Road side ahead of Styal and was deserved considering the chances they had created.

Knutsford were without several players but the game contained some superb passing moments.

It started well for the visitors when on five minutes Marchbank threaded a splendid pass to Craig Brennan who gave Styal an early lead.

The home side retaliated and created some good openings of their own. Fry and Riley both went close before Stevens forced a fine save from Tottey.

Then on 52 minutes the game burst into controversy.

The ball was played into the Styal defence and Tottey took a knock from his own defender Green with the ball running loose to Fry.

Knutsford's leading marksman rolled home an equaliser, much to the dismay of Styal players who thought referee Mr Roxborough should have stopped play.

Knutsford's profit appeared short-lived as more controversy arrived within a minute.

Mr Roxborough pointed to the penalty spot after Styal's Thornton was fouled in a position that Knutsford players claimed was outside the area.

The linesman intervened and a free kick was awarded outside the box. Emotions stirred and tackles became more meaningful but a goal of supreme technique won the game.

Fry turned this way and that on the left side of Styal's goal before screwing a cross into the danger area.

Cawley managed to head clear but arriving 20 yards out was Craig Stevens who returned the ball with exquisite interest as he caught the sweetest of volleys that saw the ball fly into the top corner.

It was a goal worthy of winning any game and Styal could have no complaints. On Saturday Knutsford travel to lowly Mid Cheshire League placed Cheadle Heath Nomads.

Kick off at Norton Avenue is 2.15pm. TEAM: Coleman, Taylor, Potts, Cocksedge, Moss, R Ingles, Stevens, G Ingles, Wright, Riley (Dow 85 minutes), Fry. Subs not used Peckett, Crellin.