IN a clash of two in-form sides on Saturday, Knutsford FC impressively came out on top.

Their first game at their Manchester Road home since the start of February saw them emerge as 1-0 victors over a Bollington side who had won their past 11 fixtures in Cheshire League One.

Jonny Cavanagh struck the only goal from the penalty spot as Nick Ward’s side continued their own promising form – last week’s Mid-Cheshire District Cup semi-final loss to Winsford Town was their only defeat in eight matches since the turn of the year.

The decisive moment came after just five minutes when the referee adjudged a Bollington defender to have handled inside the area in blocking a fierce shot from Charlie Rodick.

Skipper Cavanagh stepped up and drove home a fine penalty for what turned out to be the winning goal, although that was far from clear at the time.

Bollington tried to find their way back into the game but the Knutsford defence, led by the imperious Graeme Brotherton, was holding firm while at the other end, half-chances came regularly.

Harrison Woolley had an effort saved before Reds saw what they believed to be a strong case for a second penalty turned down as Cavanagh was brought down having burst into the area, but this time the referee was unmoved.

After the break, Knutsford had a big chance to score what could have been a decisive second goal but Rodick was unable to convert an excellent cross from Woolley while at the other end, Jack Heppell went close for Bollington.

It was a tight and even second half and the visitors were continuing to press, but Brotherton together with Jake Maunder and Charlie Sheldon formed an excellent defence to keep them at bay.

Reds face Billinge New Street at Manchester Road on Saturday as part of a run of six league fixtures before their Cheshire Amateur Cup final against Poynton, the date and venue for which has now been confirmed.

The two teams will face off to decide the trophy on Friday, April 26, at Cheadle Town FC’s Park Road ground.

Knutsford: Smith, Maunder, Mawdsley, Sheldon, Brotherton, Davis, Cavanagh (Kennedy), Mountney, Rodick, Mathers (Woodward), Woolley (Blades)