KNUTSFORD intend to be crowned Cheshire League champions in style tonight, Wednesday.

Reds need only to avoid a defeat at third-placed Whaley Bridge to be certain of finishing first in the Premier Division, but player-manager Scott Dignan has ruled out playing for a draw against their old foes.

“It’s way too risky to go safety-first,” he said.

His side start the contest three points clear of Linotype, who have won five successive matches – scoring 22 goals – to close a gap to the leaders.

They take on Crewe at the same time Knutsford are in action.

The men from Manchester Road travel to Dignan’s former club, to whom they lost in the JB Parker Challenge Cup final after a penalty shoot-out in March, expecting a test.

“Whaley Bridge are a good side,” said Dignan.

“They have nothing to play for, but I don’t expect them to roll over.

“I’m sure they’ll put out their best side out, like we will, so it will be a decent game between two good sides.

“We played well in the cup final, but a few things didn’t go our way.

“However I’m confident we can go there and get the result we want.

“We’ll be going for a win to clinch the title in style.”

Knutsford have not played a competitive match in more than a fortnight – a 1-0 league win against Garswood at Middlewich.

However they are in form, winning their past four matches without conceding a goal.

They returned on Monday morning from a trip to Jersey, where they played a friendly as well as enjoying time together.

Meanwhile Linotype, the defending champions, have won all of their games in hand to keep alive their hopes of taking top spot for a second successive season.

A 4-0 win against Rylands on Thursday moved them to within a strike of Reds’ goal difference too.

Dignan added: “I’m not surprised they’ve been on this run because they’re are a good side.

“However the teams they’ve faced have had nothing to play for.

“It’s been a bit disappointing to see the line-ups selected by their opponents, but that’s not Linotype’s fault - they can only beat what’s in front of them.

“The break we’ve had in Jersey was fantastic; we had a great time and it was good to get away with this group of lads.

“We know we can finish off the job on Wednesday, and give everyone at the club a title they deserve.”

Kick off in both games is at 7pm.