THEY may have had to give up home advantage, but Knutsford FC made light of the change as they got back to winning ways on Saturday.

Reds were due to host Sandbach United Reserves but the heavy rain left Manchester Road’s playing surface waterlogged, meaning it could not be played in Knutsford.

However, the visitors agreed to reverse the fixture and play host – and Nick Ward’s side would end up thankful as they ran out 2-0 victors to close to within two points of Cheshire League One leaders Upton.

Both goals came in the first half, with Brandon Blades and Charlie Rodick on the scoresheet to allow Reds to put last week’s defeat to Avon Villa behind them.

Knutsford started on the front foot and Blades had already gone close before he opened the scoring on 10 minutes, back-heeling into the net after a corner was headed back into his path.

Sandbach pressed in search of an equaliser, but the Knutsford defence led by Graeme Brotherton held firm while they continued to be a threat at the other end, carving out several chances to double their lead.

Greg Mathers sent a free header wide from close range before Blades had a shot blocked, but a second goal did come on the stroke of half time.

Blades went from scorer to provider as he crossed from the left for substitute Rodick, who had replaced Leas Slamani early on, to fire home.

Rather than protect their two-goal lead, Reds went searching for more goals and came close several times, with Mathers and Matt Mountney both forcing good saves from the Sandbach keeper.

The home woodwork was also tested as Harrison Woolley’s chip came back off the crossbar before a long-range strike from Jonny Cavanagh was superbly saved.

The home stopper excelled himself twice more late on to keep the scoreline down, with Woolley and Max Kennedy both denied.

However, Reds could reflect on a job well done with three points and a clean sheet gained.

Weather permitting, they are back at Manchester Road on Saturday to host FC St Helens Reserves, kick off 2pm.

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham, Maunder, Brotherton, Fregapane (Mawdsley), Kennedy, Mountney (Cavanagh), Cavanagh (Sheldon), Slamani (Rodick), Mathers (Woodward), Blades (Woolley)