KNUTSFORD FC’S form since the turn of the year has certainly been impressive.

Their 10 games in 2024 so far have yielded nine victories, with their latest being a 5-0 thumping of Billinge New Street on Saturday.

Skipper Jonny Cavanagh bagged a brace to take his goal tally to 15 for the season as Reds belied the absence of five key players to record a comfortable Easter weekend victory.

While manager Nick Ward had plenty of men missing, he was able to call upon former captain Steve Jenyons as he lined up alongside his old partner Graeme Brotherton to form an experienced defensive partnership.

With those two forming the foundations, Knutsford built into the game and hit the front on 18 minutes when Charlie Rodick was sent through on goal by a great reverse pass and he finished well for his 16th goal of the season.

Four minutes later, it was Cavanagh’s turn to get in on the act as he latched onto Matt Mountney’s excellent through-ball and finished clinically.

The Billinge threat at the other end could not be discounted, but it was Knutsford who always appeared the more likely to grab what looked like being a decisive third goal.

However, they endured a frustrating time in their pursuit of it, with Rodick blasting high over the bar while Jenyons and Rocco Fregapane both went close.

They eventually found their third goal as the game neared its end as substitute Daniel Ardern tapped home a superb Brandon Blades cross, and that proved the catalyst for a late procession.

Another substitute in Jimmy Woodward netted the fourth goal, lashing home to complete a dribble into the box, and it was him who was brought down inside the area as the game entered injury time to win the penalty that Cavanagh converted to double his account.

Reds’ busy programme continues with a home game against Wythenshawe Reserves on Saturday, kick off 2pm, before a trip to neighbours Styal on Tuesday evening, kick off 6.30pm.

Knutsford: Stockton, Maunder, Fregapane, Jenyons, Brotherton, Sheldon, Cavanagh, Mountney (Disney), Roddick (Ardern), Mathers (Woodward), Wooley (Blades)