KNUTSFORD’S four-match winning run ended in Skelmersdale on Saturday when they were defeated 2-0 by Clay Brow.

While there was an acceptance that Reds were dominant in the Cheshire League One clash, they paid the price for a lack of quality execution at times in front of goal.

However, they were also denied three penalty claims and were left frustrated by this.

Clay Brow worked hard and defended in numbers, looking for an occasional counter and from one such raid they went ahead on 32 minutes.

Jordan Gunter and Nick Ward reacted with two changes, bringing on Charlie Rodick and Michael Mattimore to try and shake things up.

From a corner early in the second half, a Clay Brow player handled the ball in the box but the referee did not see it.

Clay Brow’s keeper made a good save from a Patrick Draper effort and then another handball in the area was not given.

Graeme Brotherton was bundled over from another Knutsford corner but again no penalty was given.

Knutsford pressed hard but too many high balls into the box were dealt with by Clay Brow defenders who won the aerial battles.

With Knutsford attacking, a counter and lob from 40 yards went over keeper Dominic Smith’s head and into the net in the second minute of added time.

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham, Mawdsley, Maunder, Brotherton, Sheldon, Kennedy, Jackson, Blades, Draper, Morris. Subs used: Rodick, Mattimore, Holt, Box.

Reds went into the game on the back of a 3-1 home win with a much-changed side against Bollington in midweek.

Draper, makng his debut up front, scored the opener after 15 minutes.

A shot from 25 yards somehow crept in at Smith’s near post but on 40 minutes Michael Morris headed home for 2-1.

Reds wrapped up the scoring on 62 minutes following an excellent free-kick from Max Kennedy which was headed home by Wilbraham.

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham, Mawdsley, Maunder, Brotherton, Newton, Kennedy, Jackson, Rodick, Draper, Morris. Subs: Blades, Ardern, Sheldon, Holt.

Knutsford visit Styal tonight, Tuesday, kick-off 6.30pm and then host Malpas at Manchester Road on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.