Knutsford ...3 Lostock Gralam ...0
THE long awaited debut of new striker Tom Rutter had Knutsford supporters purring as they replaced Lostock Gralam back at the summit of the Cheshire League on Saturday.
Is it any wonder his introduction was so eagerly anticipated as the 24 year old, whose former clubs include Witton Albion and Runcorn Town, hit the ground running in his new colours.
Had Knutsford enjoyed the services of their quicksilver new man in the two recent cup quarter -finals, which he had to sit out cup tied, then the Reds might have been sitting in one (or even two) semi finals now but, que sera, sera ....
The hosts made a typically bright start, passing the ball well and at pace across the splendid Manchester Road surface. Their movement stretching Lostock legs right from the off.
However it was Knutsford goalkeeper Mark Higgs who had to distinguish himself first with a fine save from Brandon's shot as Knutsford's rearguard opened up all too easily. It was a minor blip as the Reds grasped the initiative back almost immediately and Rutter, who had already alerted his opponents of his sharpness and willingness to make telling runs, looked up from 25 yards out and sent a deliberate curling shot above and beyond keeper Langley's head and into the roof of the Lostock goal. Fourteen minutes in and as debut goals go, they do not come much better than this.
The same player made another mazy run gliding through a couple of challenges before he made space for a shot and his drilled effort tested Langley bringing an important save for his team. Another large home crowd, if not exactly drooling just yet, were nonetheless impressed at Paul Schofield's new signing. The Grey Lambs were second best and were chasing hard to stay in the game as Knutsford enjoyed the lion's share of possession but didn't convert that into goals.
On the stroke of half time though the Reds doubled their advantage and this time Rutter turned provider. He escaped down the left flank and cut a ball back into the path of Dean Warburton who calmly stroked home a deserved second goal.
As the players exited the pitch at the interval Josh Smith appeared to completely lose his head and swung a punch at Knutsford's Warbuton. An unseemly melee erupted with players from both sides involved, mostly as peace makers it appeared, but it marred the game. Lostock personel were culpable as demonstrated when referee Mr Gallagher sent off Smith and also brandished a red card to their substitute Chris Bailey.
The impetus had gone from Knutsford's game and their sharpness of the opening half disappeared, replaced by some sloppiness that might have cost them as ten man Lostock rallied to salvage some pride, if nothing else.
Paul Barry cut inside and drilled a fierce shot that was repelled by Langley and his fellow substitute Lee Shakoor neatly converted a low cross at the near post to give the home side a 3-0 advantage but following the exciting opening period that was the sum of the highlights from the home side in the second period.
A distinct lowlight came right at the end. Mr Gallagher had already checked his watch as Mark Higgs denied Brandon a sight of goal. The Knutsford keeper came out to defend and as the Lostock man attempted to lob the ball over him, Higgs handled the ball and his forward movement had taken him just outside the penalty area. Unluckily Higgs became the second player to be sent off.
Captain Steve Jenyons donned the goalkeeper's jersey but he needn't have bothered. Mr Gallagher had already inhaled to blow the final whistle as the ensuing free kick sailed over Knutsford's crossbar.
Team: Higgs; Jackson M,Smart, Jenyons, Jackson L; Cartner (Myers 81 mins), Warburton, Rezayan (Shakoor 81), Pickford; Rutter, Williamson (Barry 69).Subs (n/u) Schofield M, Jackson S.
On Saturday Knutsford travel to Tattenhall for a Cheshire League fixture against Tarporley Victoria. Kick Off at 'The Flacca is 2.00 pm.
This is a member post by Kevin Deeley.
