KNUTSFORD FC were not able to build on the previous week's win against Billinge as they fell to a 1-0 loss against Altrincham Reserves.

With Billinge winning, it means Reds slipped back into the bottom two of the Cheshire Football League Premier Division as a consequence of their 18th defeat of the season.

They have 10 games remaining and a mountain to climb to rescue the situation, starting at bottom-of-the-table Daten in Warrington on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.

There was little to separate the two sides in a match impacted by strong wind.

Knutsford created a number of chances in the first half but Alty had more pace and energy in the second period when too many of Knutsford’s players lacked the urgency and quality to turn things around.

Manager Nathan Steele had expected more from his side, which included Zydane McCarthy-Brooks in at right-back after a long spell out injured.

Reds went close on three occasions before the break but failed to exploit good opportunities from corners.

Elvis Omorogbe cut in from the left and found George Riley whose shot was well saved in one good move.

Too often Knutsford punted the ball long and failed to get shots off from distance, using the wind.

Alty started the second half on the front foot.

Connor Beard made a fine save and then McCarthy-Brooks cleared another Alty effort off the line.

The hosts were sharper now and breaking at pace, though Shaw and Brotherton defended well.

A clever Andrew Crompton chip just cleared the crossbar as Reds sought to break the deadlock.

Then out of nowhere, Alty winger Billingsley looked up and used the wind to chip Beard into the far-left corner of the net on 75 minutes.

Suddenly Knutsford needed to summon a response.

Markell Bennett found Crompton whose volley went over, then Bennett hit a free kick into the wall.

Man-of-the-match Riley hit a fierce shot which the Alty keeper saved and it proved not to be for Reds.

Knutsford: Beard, McCarthy-Brooks (Watkins), Woods, Shaw, Brotherton, Riley, Bennett, Brew-Butler (Greenwood), Depeiaza (Marcos), Crompton, Omorogbe (Geary).