KNUTSFORD lost ground on their promotion-chasing rivals after a defeat at Formby seconds in the North Men’s League Division Two.

A 3-1 reverse for the Black Knights, after a run of three wins in four games, leaves them six points adrift of second-placed Lymm at the turn of the year.

They return to action against lowly Springfields next month.

Knutsford’s ladies continue to struggle in front of goal, a 3-0 defeat at South Cheshire in the Cheshire League’s top tier a fourth successive loss.

The men’s seconds secured only a second win of the season after putting seven goals past City of Manchester thirds in the North West League, boosting their survival hopes.

Forwards Henry Pass and Karl Stanier both bagged a brace in Knutsford thirds’ slender home success against their Stockport Bramhall counterparts.