STYAL FC were boosted by the guest appearance of ex-Macclesfield and Northwich Vics star Taffy Williams in their game away against Knutsford.
Although missing John Thornton through suspension and Matty Jackson from the team that thumped Knutsford 5-2 a few weeks ago, this was always going to be a difficult game.
The first ten minutes saw the home team looking the stronger, but Styal slowly came more into the game. Winger Brian Matthews managed to skip passed Knutsford's left-back and drove the ball across the face of the goal, but nobody could get on the end of it.
Star hitman Andy Hurst then had an opportunity to score but screwed his shot wide.
Knutsford's experienced captain Adie Bronigan then picked the ball up on the right and moved unchallenged towards the Styal penalty area and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner to put his side a goal up.
From the start of the second half the ball was played up to Williams on the edge of the Knutsford penalty box, and his quick turn and strength allowed him a route to goal. With only the goalkeeper to beat he passed to Brian Matthews who thumped the ball into the back of the net to equalise.
But Knutsford then played a quick corner and the Styal players were slow to cut out the danger and the ball was headed into the back of the net.
The remainder of the half saw Styal push forward to equalise, and even the introduction of Knutsford's experienced manager Stuart Dow into the game could not stop Styal's momentum.
As the final whistle approached several good opportunities went begging for Styal, but none were turned into the goal they deserved.
This Saturday Styal are away to Bollington.
* STYAL'S A team also were on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat at Northernden Victoria.
