KNUTSFORD FC will open the new Cheshire Football League season with a clash against old foes Whaley Bridge in the Memorial Cup.

The meeting, between the champion Reds and the JB Parker Premier Division Challenge Cup winners at Manchester Road on Saturday, August 6, kick off 3pm, will be the curtain-raiser to the defence of their league title, which will begin on Tuesday, August 9.

Knutsford failed to defeat third-place finishers Whaley in three encounters last season, losing 9-8 on penalties in the Challenge Cup Final, while in league meetings falling 2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 away.

However, the away league draw turned out to be the result that secured a third Cheshire Football League title in five years for Scott Dignan’s side.

The Reds will host last term’s bottom club Styal FC in their Premier Division opener on August 9, kick off 6.45pm, before heading to Warrington side Rylands four days later.

Meanwhile, Egerton, in League One, will entertain Cheadle Town Reserves first off at Mereheath Lane on August 9.

A week later they will host AFC Macclesfield, with a third successive home date coming against West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves on August 23.

In the reserve leagues schedule starting on August 13, Knutsford A host Garswood United Reserves.