After a tough season last year, Knutsford hoped to put in a positive performance to open the season. They started well with debutant Suzi Weir linking play between defence and attack. Timperley also had some attacking joy but the Knutsford back line looked strong in defence with Lucie Chadwick and Amanda Rees both providing some good clearances.

Unfortunately for Knutsford it wasn’t long until Timperley worked the ball into the D and hit home a scrappy goal. At 1-0 Knutsford kept their heads high after conceding, with Sarah Evans controlling the ball well on her league return. Knutsford won a short corner after some great link up play between Katie Welch and Gill Lunt. It came to nothing and within seconds, Timperley bagged a second goal against the run of play. The half ended 3-0 after the home side scrambled into the D to create another goal.

After a positive team talk, Knutsford changed formation and played more freely. They grew into the game with Sarah Fielding and Nat Riley making it difficult for the home side to win back possession. Debutant Olivia Hope was fearless up front, a promising start!

Knutsford pressed well as Jess Flack won back possession from a high area on the pitch. However, it wasn’t long before Timperley started to pile on the pressure. They won a few penalty corners with Liz Ball making a vital block for one and Georgia Allen stepping up in others. Knutsford were in control in the second half and Suzie Hough did a fantastic job sweeping the ball out of the danger area when called upon.

The result didn’t reflect the performance but Knutsford will take the positives and move on to Warrington next week.

Player of the match was rightfully claimed by Suzi Weir