Press Round Up 5/12/12

Premier Division

Knutsford went back to the top of the league following a convincing 5-0 win at home against Denton Town. Tom Rutter was back amongst the goals as he bagged a hat trick which was topped up with goals from Sean Lynch and Dave Owens.
The win puts them level on games played and points with Whaley Bridge but ahead on goal difference.

Rylands were in league action for the first time in over a month and made the long journey to Malpas where the sides battled it out against each other and a strong wind.

Rylands started well and opened up the home side twice but couldn't manage to beat Connor Tinsley in the Malpas goal.

On 18 minutes Malpas, who had been restricted to long range shots up until this point went 1-0 up. Rylands failed to clear and Alex Hughes was able to hit a low drive from 12 yards past debutant Richie Mottram.

Rylands continued to play the tough conditions well and half chances came and went before Dave France hit the crossbar with a header from a corner, only for Kris Bell's rebound to be cleared off the line.

At the start of the second half Rylands had the wind in their favour and pressed straight away, looking a threat from the off. The scores were levelled in the 51st minute when Bell’s deflected cross fell in to the path of Odi Koubemba who slotted home from 6 yards.

Malpas battled hard against the wind and took the lead again in the 79th minute when they hit Rylands on the counter attack and an Alex Hughes cross was deflected in by the unlucky Calum Wilson.

Rylands drew level again in the closing stages of the game when a great run by Tom Swann lead to him being fouled in the penalty area before Kris Bell slammed home from the spot to make it 2-2.

JA Walton Challenge Cup

Group C saw Mersey Valley move into second place and leap-frog their opponents Tarporley Victoria after winning 3-2 away from home.

In Group D, Billinge and Golborne Sports shared the points in a 3-3 draw played in the pouring rain. The visitors struck first as they almost took the lead when Keiron Eaves hit the post from close range.

Billinge hit back with continual attacks on the Golborne goal throughout the first half, and it was only Tom Darbyshire between the posts that prevented the home team from taking the lead.

In the 38th minute Golborne broke the deadlock when Anthony Smith was left unmarked on the edge of the box. His first time pass found Scott Walker at the far post who slotted home for 1-0.

Billinge started the second half strongly and set up camp in the Golborne half as Redmond, Wolhuter, and Anderson all saw their efforts well saved by Darbyshire. However, at the other end, Golborne were awarded a free kick out on the left, Jamie Scott saved the initial shot but was unable to hold onto it and Smith was quick to react making it 2-0 to the visitors.

Three minutes later Billinge pulled one back when Steve Wolhuter picked the ball up in the visitor’s half, drove past two Golborne defenders and hit his shot into the roof of the net. This raised the tempo of the game and Billinge made changes to put more pressure on the Golborne defence which was holding out well.

In the 80th minute a Golborne attack down the right and another clumsy challenge resulted in a free kick for the visitors. The wind assisted free kick was misjudged by Scott who failed to handle the cross and Smith was there yet again to make it 3-1.

Golborne thought they had done enough to secure the points but Billinge maintained the pressure and five minutes later pulled one back when Declan Gregson's shot found the bottom corner. With three minutes remaining and the light fading fast, Bradshaw crossed the ball low and hard from the left and found Redmond on the far post. His first time shot took a deflection and rolled across the line to earn the home side a point.

The point puts Billinge at the top of the table, on point ahead of Daten who have played a game less, while Golborne Sports sit three points behind, with a game in hand.

League Two

Cuddington climbed out of the bottom two as they beat high flying Warrington Town Reserves 2-1 at home to move two points clear of Moore United.