KNUTSFORD FC return from their festive break to face Denton Town tomorrow afternoon in the JA Walton Challenge Cup at Manchester Road, kick-off 2pm.

The tie was scheduled to take place at Denton but the fixture has been reversed due to flooding of the changing rooms at Whittles Park.

Saturday's winners will go on to face Sandbach United Reserves in the last 16 of the cup, with the draw having taken place yesterday afternoon.

The two rivals met earlier this season on September 3 when Denton were victorious 3-0 in front of the Reds home fans.

It handed Denton their seventh victory in the opening seven games of the 2022-23 League One campaign.

That was the first time the two sides had played each other since 2019.

In the penultimate game of that season in the Premier Division, Denton beat Knutsford once again at Manchester Road with the game ending 1-0.

Despite their victory, Denton finished bottom and were relegated while Knutsford placed ninth.

Denton haven’t been back to the top flight since, but are in a strong position this season. Currently sat in first on 42 points, nine points ahead of second placed Cheadle Heath Nomads Res, leaves the title and promotion in their own hands.

Meanwhile, Reds are currently sat in 10th on 16 points, indicating they are facing a tough challenge tomorrow.

Knutsford have struggled against Denton in recent times, losing three and winning two in their last five meetings.

03/09/22 – Knutsford FC 0-3 Denton Town – League One

09/03/19 – Knutsford FC 0-1 Denton Town – Premier Division

23/02/19 – Denton Town 0-2 Knutsford FC – Premier Division

24/03/18 – Knutsford FC 2-1 Denton Town – Premier Division

16/09/17 – Denton Town 3-1 Knutsford FC – Premier Division

Knutsford FC have never won the JA Walton Challenge Cup, a competition for teams competing in Leagues one and two.