ADVANTAGE has been handed to Knutsford in their bid to reach the quarter finals of the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup.

They will now play host to Newton on Saturday, kick off 1.30pm, after attempts to play the tie at their Wirral home over successive weekends fell foul of the weather.

“The good thing for us is that because of missing two weeks we get to play the tie at our place - that’s a Cheshire Cup rule,” said manager Paul Schofield.

“I’ve seen their ground and ours has got a better playing surface. So that’s the sweetener after the disappointment of the game being called off again.

“It’s probably done us a bit of a favour and although it’s not good to go two weeks without a game at this stage of the season, it’s the same for Newton too.”

And there could be a further bonus for the Reds against the West Cheshire League high-fliers.

Frontmen Steve Jenyons, the team’s captain, and James Pickford could be in line to return after injury.

“The extra week of recovery gives them a chance,” said Schofield.

An away date with Vauxhall Motors reserves awaits the winners in the last eight.

Knutsford, who put four goals past Bebington in the last round, go into the tie looking to get back on track after successive defeats behind them in league and cup, the first time this term they have suffered such a fate.

There is no change at the top of Cheshire League Division One despite Knutsford’s inactivity.

However, the champions’ lead has been cut to four points after closest rivals Whaley Bridge defeated lowly Lostock Gralam 6-2 at the weekend.

Third-placed Denton are six points behind with two games in hand after their 2-1 success at Rylands.