KNUTSFORD FC bowed out of the Cheshire League JA Walton Cup after a heartbreaking loss at home to lower division St Helens Town.

Reds were leading 1-0 until the Division Two table toppers equalised in the 91st minute.

A penalty shoot-out followed, with the visitors winning 6-5 after Harrison Woolley’s poor penalty attempt was saved.

It was a tight contest overall, and first-division Knutsford only had themselves to blame for bowing out at the first hurdle.

Before the game kicked off, Knutsford FC supporters were saddened to learn that club president Dave Sheldon, of Sheldon Dairies - a long-term supporter of the club and stalwart of amateur sport – had died.

A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off, with several Sheldon family members in attendance.

> READ: Tributes to David Sheldon

Knutsford, who welcomed the return of Rocco Fregapane and had a strong bench, were on the front foot from the start although they found that St Helens were well organised and had a threat going forward.

It was a stiff test and although left winger Thi-Reece Lenihan caused St Helens problems, a cutting edge was lacking at times and they were grateful for Dominic Smith making some fine saves.

When the goal came it was Lenihan who went on a solo dribble tight to the line, beating four defenders, before finishing well for 1-0 on 35 minutes.

As usual Knutsford brought on subs early with Jonny Cavanagh, Brandon Blades and Patrick Draper replacing Mathers, Matt Mountey and Lenihan but the home team lost some fluency.

On 65 minutes St Helens were awarded a penalty but the resultant spot kick was fired high over the bar.

Blades had a cameo run and fierce shot that was tipped over, while the keeper saved one effort from Draper who was inches wide with a header soon after.

With the game closing there was dismay for Knutsford as a cross to the far post was not cleared leaving allowing the St Helens forward to head home and set up the penalty shoot-out lottery and drama.

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham, Fregapane, Maunder, Brotherton, Kennedy, Sheldon, Mountey, Mawdsley, Mathers, Lenihan. Subs used: Blades, Draper, Cavanagh, Woodward, Woolley

Reds have no league fixture for almost month as their focus switches to cup action, with their next game being in the third round of the Cheshire Amateur Cup against Mallaby on Saturday, November 2, at Vauxhall Motors’ ground.