KNUTSFORD FC will go into their sternest test of the season so far on the back of a great performance at the weekend.

Reds overhauled a previously undefeated Golborne side 6-2 on Saturday to hold down second spot in Cheshire Football League One.

But this Saturday they will host unbeaten league leaders Upton at Manchester Road, kick-off 2pm, with the aim of becoming the first side to take at least a point off them this term.

Reds can feel steeled for the challenge having achieved a healthy foundation from a busy August, with the victory over Golborne being their fifth win in eight games along with one draw to go with two losses.

Knutsford actually reversed a result of a fortnight earlier when they were beaten 3-0 at Golborne, the strongest side they had played to date in the 2023/24 campaign.

They made five changes from the midweek win against Cheadle Nomads Reserves, who had two changes in their starting line-up from when the sides last met.

A 6-2 scoreline had seemed highly unlikely even at half-time.

There was not a big difference between the sides in a first half in which Knutsford hit the front thanks to Greg Mathers tapping home after Brandon Blades had beaten two defenders on the left and sent in a low cross.

Knutsford had been mostly in control though Golborne were a threat on the counter, even though they were finding Graeme Brotherton and Jake Maunder standing strong and solid.

Matt Mountey replaced Tom Bowey at half-time and made an impact.

After a Jimmy Woodward shot was deflected home for 2-0 after 50 minutes and Blades turned his defender to hit a right footer into the far corner five minutes later, Charlie Rodick came on as one of three replacements and it was his cross that allowed Mountey to reverse a shot into the bottom left corner for 4-0 on 67 minutes.

But the game was far from over.

The three substitutions had clearly disrupted Knutsford’s rhythm as Golborne pulled two goals back and were now controlling the game.

In a tense final 20 minutes, Golborne pressed and the final two Knutsford goals only came well into added time courtesy of debutant Leas Slamani and fellow youngster Mason Gunter-Jones.

Having a good August was a key target for Knutsford with so many games played and they have delivered.

Still early days but the signs are positive.

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham, Woolley, Maunder, Brotherton, Cavanagh, Bowey (Mountney), Kennedy, Woodward (Gunter), Mathers (Rodick), Blades (Slamani).