Knutsford 1 Greenalls PSO 0

GEORGE Riley’s late winner allowed Knutsford to finish off a transitional season on a winning note.

The midfielder struck three minutes from time at Manchester Road to ensure Greenalls PSO returned to Warrington defeated.

It's a result that guarantees for Reds a top-eight finish in the Cheshire League's Premier Division at the end of a first campaign with Jordan Gunter and Jamie Mottershead in charge.

Their guests had the better of a first-half during which Reds' goalkeeper Callum Spencer was forced into action to keep out Mark Hughes’ header.

Ben McWilliams’ looping shot then dipped over the bar.

There was little in the way of attacking threat from Knutsford until Sam Croft had a strong penalty appeal turned down after appeared to have been felled by visiting custodian Hal Black.

Brad West then twice came close to marking his 100th appearance for the club with a goal when he was first denied a shot by Black's swift reaction before his free-kick was later saved.

The game remained close after the break, Milan Thompson chipping a good chance wide for the home team before a strong Steve Jenyons tackle denied the visitors inside the six-yard box.

A decisive moment followed Riley picked up the ball inside his own half and drove forward before drilling into the bottom corner.

Greenalls pushed forward in a desperate search for an equaliser but Knutsford held on.

Knutsford | Spencer (GK), Wynne, Wilbraham, Jenyons, Spilsbury, Riley, Cartner, Thompson, Croft, West (McDonough 50), Thompson