SCOTT Dignan says Knutsford’s players are motivated to make history in tonight's Cheshire FA Amateur Cup final.

Reds take on Vauxhall Motors, from the West Cheshire League’s top-flight, in this season’s showpiece at Witton Albion’s Wincham Park home, kick-off 7.30pm.

It marks a third time the club has reached that stage.

“The lads are buzzing,” said the co-manager.

“They’re excited because Knutsford have never won this competition, and they’ve worked hard for the opportunity.

“They deserve it, and I hope they do themselves justice.

“We’ve had what I think is a tough run to just to get this far; we’ve had four or five away games, and only one at home.”

Their opponents have applied to join the North West Counties League from next season and, like Knutsford, are contenders to win a league title this term too.

Dignan, who picks the team along with Paul Riley and assistant Dave Schofield, told the Guardian that he expects Vauxhall to provide a formidable barrier.

He added: “Vauxhall will be a typical, hard-working Liverpool side.

“But our players have a desire to win no matter who is in front of them.

“I’ve lifted this trophy previously as a player, but never as a manager.

“It would be amazing to win for Knutsford as a club, and would reinforce our belief that we’re one of the best amateur teams around these parts.

“We play some great football, and we’re always consistently up there [in our league].

“The ability of our players has never been in doubt, but winning the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup is probably a bit overdue.”

Reds, top of the Cheshire League’s Premier Division, go into the game boosted by a 4-0 win at Congleton Vale last weekend.

However new recruit Aaron Dwyer, who scored all of their goals in that game, is ineligible for the final.

Influential Dean Warburton is available again though after a suspension.

Dignan and Riley have a dilemma of who to pick in goal after Craig Ellison took regular starter Sam Moore’s place for a semi-finals victory on penalties against Linotype.

“Craig is an option again, but it’s a tough decision to make,” said Dignan.

“It is a team game, and Sam has had a great attitude.

“It was a big game for him to miss, but he understands that I had to pick the right team for that day.”

Everybody else is available for Knutsford.

Admission is £3 for adults, while concessions pay £2.