KNUTSFORD...3

Cheadle Heath Nomads...0

KNUTSFORD scored a third victory in three matches at the weekend after a win over last season's fellow title contenders Cheadle Heath Nomads.

Nomads arrived at Manchester Road following two wins from their opening games.

On Saturday Knutsford achieved a meritorious victory and played their best football to date.

The morning's rain had rendered the surface true and soft and at times the Knutsford mid-fielders stroked the ball about with flair and purpose. Martin Faulkner again settled quickly into his groove and was pivotal in central mid-field with Craig Stevens bristling with ability and strength alongside him.

Stuart Harkness was sharp and busy and with Brad Francis and Jamie Wilkins always available in wide positions, Knutsford were dominant in the opening half hour.

They were given the perfect platform when Stewart Dow rose to head a corner from Faulkner beyond Cheadle goalkeeper Rouse, after only three minutes.

Faulkner had a snap volley tipped over the crossbar and Harkness's trickery invited several lunging tackles from McGonague and Heaton as the home side threatened further goals.

However, the returning Daine Johnson was largely redundant until four minutes into the second period when he dived to his right to save a poorly struck penalty from Quigley.

It proved a turning point and Wilkins and Harkness exchanged passes wide to the left to allow the latter to cross for Stevens who scored with a firm header from 12 yards.

On 78 minutes Fry crossed and visiting goalkeeper Rouse spilled the low cut back, where Francis was on hand to keep his composure and drag the ball to his left, before sliding it into an empty goal.

Last night Town were due to play a league match against Garswood United at Manchester Road.

On Saturday they face a stiff test with a visit to Rylands, who pipped runners-up spot in the Mid-Cheshire League last season.

Kick of at Gorsey Road is 3pm.

TEAM: Johnson, Hitchen, Bell, Leigh, Francis (Woan 85 minutes), Stevens, Faulkner (Lamming 33 minutes), Wilkins, Harkness, Fry, Dow (Higginbotham 83 minutes.)