In the opening stages of the game Pelican seemed to be lacking cohesion as their passing went astray.

Knutsford therefore enjoyed most of the possession without even having to work for it. It wasn't long however before the tables were turned and the home side became guilty of the same offence and subsequently paid for it.

After only six minutes, a superb Chris Sheldon cross found the head of Alan Brown but the big centre forward's header went wide of the post from close range.

A strong wind was blowing straight down the pitch and was bound to play a part as the game progressed. In the first period the elements were in Knutsford's favour and they needed to take advantage by hitting the target as often as possible.

On 20 minutes Sheldon chipped a clever pass through for Stuart Harkness that enticed the keeper off his line. As the two players collided the ball bounced toward goal and was gently guided home by Alan Brown to give Knutsford the lead.

Pelican were awarded a penalty soon after but Steve Roberts in the home team goal flung himself to the right for a brilliant save.

Ten minutes before half-time Knutsford went further ahead through a superb Mark Jenyons goal. Cutting into the box on his favoured left foot, Jenyons crashed the ball past the helpless goalkeeper from the tightest of angles.

Doubtless the home team were grateful for a two goal cushion at the break but there was always a feeling that this may not be enough.

In the second half Pelican justified that fear as they came back strongly. Former Knutsford player Dave Leather pulled a goal back in the 60th minute and while Knutsford tried to recover from that setback they conceded a second goal that set the alarm bells ringing.

Knutsford did manage to put together their best move of the game at this point, however, an excellent through ball from Bason found Brad Francis in full flow down the left flank. Francis drilled in a superb cross and Brown connected superbly only to see the goalkeeper match his effort with a great save.

Morphet wasn't at his best and young Harkness who had enjoyed a good first half was beginning to fade.

With eight minutes left to play Leather scored the winner for Pelican with a header at the far post to seal Knutsford's fate.

A good crowd had turned up to witness Knutsford's poorest game to date and more was the pity that Roy Keane had chosen to watch this particular game while recuperating from injury.

On Saturday Knutsford are away to Wellgreen. K.O. 2.15pm

Team: S Roberts, A Jackson, B Glimmerveen, C Sheldon, B Francis, S Harkness, C Bason, A Park, J Morphet, A Brown, M Jenyons. Subs: E Ellis, C Percival.

Knutsford A 2

Pelican Rovers 3

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.