KNUTSFORD FC return to cup action this weekend after marking their first ‘home’ game for four months with a 6-2 win.

Reds, whose clash with Avon Villa finally saw the weather defeated to allow the first Manchester Road game go ahead since October 7, are away to Whitegate on Saturday in the final group game of the Mid Cheshire District Cup.

They need a win to qualify for the semi-finals and will be buoyed by the six goals scored in their new playing strip against Villa, though the performance was not as good as it could have been.

Knutsford, whose Cheshire Amateur Cup semi-final away to Old Altrinchams has been confirmed for Saturday, March 2, have been victorious in all four matches so far this year and are currently seventh in Cheshire League One – four points adrift of the second promotion place.

Reds started on the front foot and went ahead after two minutes following a good cross from Charlie Rodick on the right which Jimmy Woodward met, controlled and finished into the top right corner.

On 12 minutes, with Knutsford complaining for a foul, Villa broke the off-side trap with Bobby Graham reacting first to run away and polish off for 1-1 against the run of play.

That is how it was in the first half, Knutsford having the vast majority of possession but lacking a cutting edge with their final pass poor.

Dominic Smith made an important save on his line to deny Villa a second before Jonny Cavanagh’s left-footed corner delivery curled straight in for 2-1 on the stroke of half-time.

Knutsford stepped things up in the second period, though four chances came and went before Matt Mountney made a quickfire huge impact.

He scored Reds’ third goal in the 60th minute after turning in the box and firing home.

Mountney then hit the side netting before cashing in on Max Kennedy’s midfield industry for 4-1 on 62 minutes.

Rocco Fregapane drove forward from left back and drilled home from 20 yards 20 minutes later before a mix up between Smith and Graeme Brotherton led to the ball rebounding into their own net.

The scoring was wrapped up when another excellent Cavanagh corner was bundled in by the home keeper in the closing moments.

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham (Sheldon), Maunder, Brotherton, Fregapane, Cavanagh, Kennedy, Rodick (Slamani), Mountney, Woodward (Davis), Wooley (Mathers).