Guardian Sport

New chance for Reds to savour cup success

11:24am Friday 6th January 2012

KNUTSFORD’S players will hope to avoid further knockout heartache this weekend when they turn their attention to the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup.

Reds crashed out of the JB Parker Challenge Cup at the quarter finals stage last Tuesday after opponents Eagle scrambled a winner in the last minute of extra time.

Substitute Stuart Bruce was the Warrington outfit’s hero, scoring from close range after Knutsford had failed to clear.

Both teams played their part in a pulsating contest, Stuart Wellstead firing the visitors ahead with a shot from distance before the break.

Dean Warburton leveled for Knutsford soon afterwards, scoring at the second attempt after goalkeeper Simon Perry had parried his spot kick.

Reds midfielder Ebbie Rezayan was then sent off for tackling Rob Hope dangerously, Danny Nixon putting Eagle ahead a minute later.

Knutsford levelled again with 20 minutes left, Lee Shakoor sending Richard Smart’s header into the net.

He missed a sitter before Bruce bagged the winner though, heading too high after replacement Ollie Jones had served up a perfect cross.

Knutsford host West Cheshire League outfit West Kirby this weekend, when a semi finals spot is the prize for the victors.

Knutsford Higgs (GK), Michael Jackson, Jenyons (Sam Jackson 46), Smart, Williamson, Cartner (Jones 90), Warburton, Rezayan, Pickford, Barry, Michael Schofield (Shakoor 65). Sub not used Liversedge.

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