Knutsford 11 Unicorn Athletic 1

DAVID Owens and Mark Evans scored hat-tricks as Knutsford cruised through in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup on Saturday at the expense of lower-ranked opponents.

Their reward is a home date with Mallaby, from the West Cheshire League, next month.

Reds survived a couple of early scares before Owens, after evading two attempted tackles, opened the scoring midway through the first half.

Tom Rutter's cross was then swept in smartly by Evans to double their lead.

Owen made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after his dribble was halted by a foul.

He turned provider for Evans to dance past goalkeeper Jon Kirwin, adding to their advantage, before the break.

Lee Mannion, with a spectacular swerving attempt from distance, hit the net too ahead of the whistle.

Manager Scott Dignan, confirmed by the Cheshire League as Premier Division manager of the month for August, instructed his side to show no mercy.

Jamie Pickford rolled in a rebound after Owens attempt had been parried, then Rutter joined a list of scorers following another Owens raid.

But Reds could not keep a clean sheet, Marcus Queeley firing in a consolation after Sean Lynch had surrendered possession cheaply.

After Ruttter chipped tamely into Kirwin's hands, normal service was resumed when Owen completed a personal treble from Mannion's assist.

Substitute Liam Myers teed up Evans to do the same.

Rutter made sure Knutsford reached double figures, finishing emphatically after replacement Richard Smart steered the ball is way with a heel.

Pickford then completed the scoring with time running out.

Reds turn their attention back to the league this weekend, when Dignan's former club Whaley Bridge - who won both meetings between the teams last season - visit Manchester Road.

He said: "It's a big game, and we owe them one!

"We'll find out more about where we're at too."

Knutsford Stanway (GK), Wates, Jenyons (Smart 57), Torbitt, Lynch, Owens, Pickford, Mannion (Dignan 81), Evans, Scott (Myers 57), Rutter.