KNUTSFORD FC’s much delayed Cheshire League campaign finally got started at the weekend but they were second best throughout a 3-0 loss at Lostock Gralam.

The Reds did not match the workrate and intensity of their rivals, who fielded six former Knutsford players plus quality in forward areas in the shape of 1874 Northwich on-loan players Joe Woolley and Ryan Jackson.

“Lostock worked harder, pressed aggressively all over the pitch, had more intensity in their game and denied Knutsford space and time as their direct game with extra quality in wide areas caused Knutsford problems,” said chairman Jimmy Evans.

Knutsford, who have no game this weekend due to being scheduled to play Covid-19 Tier 3 opponents, fell behind after six minutes from a goalkeeping error as Ward shouted for his central defender McGeoghegan to leave the ball for him but he was beaten to it by Lostock’s Collins.

On 51 minutes Lostock got their second goal after good work from Woolley on the left side as he beat his markers and set-up Jackson for a tap in.

Jackson completed the scoring on 67 minutes after keeper Ward spilled the ball, but he was not alone in having a below-par performance.

Knutsford: Ward, Vayro (Allen), McGeoghegan, Brotherton, Quinn, Riley (McCurrie), Kennedy, Manson, Vilches, Mathers (Hurst), Hanson (Rodick).