Knutsford 3 Sandbach Utd 2

KNUTSFORD survived a shaky second half against Sandbach United to open up a five-point lead in the Cheshire League Premier Division.

After the break, Reds were a shadow of the side that established a 3-1 lead courtesy of goals from the returning Owens, Rutter and Lynch.

Sandbach cut the deficit to one goal in the 13th minute of a second half that they dominated but the much improved outfit were unable to conjure an equaliser.

Knutsford, who had Torbitt sent off in added time, went behind in the fourth minute, Owo tapping home a fine pass from Lane.

Owens, looking sharp on his return, drilled home an equaliser three minutes later as Knutsford were looking shaky at the back without injured skipper Jenyons.

Rutter hit a fierce 25-yard drive that somehow keeper Burton tipped over the bar but he was not to be denied in the 19th minute as Knutsford got their noses in front.

Torbitt found Lynch on the left side and the winger smashed home as Reds took charge.

Rutter went close again, while Mannion and Pickford kept creating, but a saving tackle from Smart kept out Owo after he had been put clean through.

Lynch then Rutter went close early in the second period but Knutsford looked nervous and kept turning the ball over.

On a counter attack Lane made it 3-2 as Knutsford looked out of sync.

Moore saved well from Allen as Sandbach looked the more likely to score.

Clayton blasted over the bar from close range and Lane missed a free header.

Substitutions impacted on Knutsford’s shape and fluency as they went on the back foot.

Sandbach were sharper and more determined, forcing Moore to make another good save at his near post.

Torbitt was sent off in the 95th minute to complete a disappointing second-half showing.

Nevertheless, with 13 games to go Knutsford are in pole position.

Knutsford: Moore, Millen, Torbitt, Beattie, Smart, Owens, Pickford, Mannion (Lucas), Lynch, Rutter (Robertson), Braine (Young). Subs not used: Dignan, Bane.

Knutsford visit bottom team Denton on Saturday, kick off 2pm.