KNUTSFORD FC have six games in which to rescue their season.

After the weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Congleton Reserves, they remain at the foot of the Cheshire Football League Premier Division.

They are three points from safety at this stage, but have played four and seven games more than the sides directly above them.

Reds, playing under their third manager of the season with a stack of new players, certainly have a mountain to climb to avoid relegation.

They have only won four league matches all season, the last of which – 3-0 at home to Billinge – came on January 22.

Chairman Jimmy Evans said Nick Ward did well to field a competitive team for the trip to Congleton.

The manager was forced into making eight changes to his side, due to the perennial problem of player availability.

This meant a new back four, a new goalkeeper and forward line were on show.

And while some of the debutants had quality, they lacked fitness and staying power.

In the end, a dull game was settled on the back of two big defensive mistakes in the opening 15 minutes.

Congleton took the lead with their first attack, making the most of a free header from a corner and poor defending.

Three minutes later the lead was doubled as right-back Luke Chattington failed to clear and the cross was again put away courtesy of a free header.

Knutsford continued to struggle to defend high balls into the box.

At the other end, industrious Tom Bowey had a shot saved well but chances were few and far between.

The second half was a torrid affair with neither side showing any ambition or great desire.

Knutsford: Charlie Hodson, Luke Chattington, Ollie Tovee, Adam McGeoghegan, Jack Disney (Nick Ward), Tom Bowey, Jonny Cavanagh, Max Kennedy, Jack Naylor, Jermaine James (Tyler Shaw), Dabbs (Ben Geary).

Reds are due to play their first home game for six weeks this Saturday when they host Altrincham Reserves at Manchester Road, kick-off 2pm.