BEN Howard’s red card proved costly for Rylands as their unbeaten start to the Cheshire League season came to an abrupt end.

Howard was dismissed for a second booking with Blues trailing 1-0 against Premier Division leaders Knutsford at Gorsey Lane.

The visitors were ruthless and took full advantage of the extra man to record a 4-0 victory.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Eagle Sports got their first win for more than a month as they saw off Ashton Town.

Richard Chinn, Adam Deakin and Jay Waldron were on target in a 3-2 win for Rob Hope’s side at Thornton Road.

Sadly, however, Greenalls PSO were on the wrong end of the same scoreline against Congleton Vale.

In League One, Michael Sullivan’s hat-trick helped Daten storm to a 5-1 victory at Styal.

Jack Challinor and Michael Nutkins also hit the target for the Atoms, who sit fifth as they continued their solid start to the new campaign.

Grappenhall Sports continue to build a strong campaign in League Two as their 2-1 win over Cuddington allowed them to move up to fourth.

Adam Ashcroft’s brace was enough to secure victory for Grappers.

Orford were in cup action and reached the second round of the LCFA Saturday Junior Cup with a 4-1 win over West Garth.

Liam McLoughlin, Daniel Wilcock, Liam Moran and Kevin Lonsdale were on target for Orford.