1874 NORTHWICH prevailed in another goal-laden encounter with a lower-ranked opponent, this time at Knutsford.

The visitors almost took the lead when ex-Red Joe Woolley fired into the side-netting, then under 21s gradate Aaron Clayton’s attempt struck an upright.

Knutsford took the lead when Ebbie Rezayan was first to a loose ball after goalkeeper Greg Hall had parried a fiercely-struck free kick.

Kazim Waite-Jackson and Jack Lever both saw efforts fly high before Scott McGowan brought the best from the Cheshire League outfit’s number one.

Adam Whitlock made it 1-1 shortly afterwards, turning home Lever’s cross shortly before the break.

It was 2-1 when Woolley scored early in the second period, only for Jake Maunder’s shot from distance to become an equaliser for Knutsford.

1874 then made their superior fitness tell in the final half-hour, which yielded goals for Waite-Jackson and McGowan either side of an own goal by Reds’ captain Steve Jenyons.

David Owens completed the scoring at the other end when he confidently converted from the penalty spot.

1874, who included newest recruit Lee Jackson from the first minute alongside a returning Danny Thomas, head to Radcliffe next on Tuesday, kick off 7.30pm.

Match report by Garry Clarke