CHAIRMAN Jimmy Evans has urged Knutsford’s players to make the most of a second chance when they play again in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup on Saturday.

Reds were reinstated last week after neighbours Egerton, their conquerors last month, were removed from the competition as punishment for fielding an ineligible player.

As a result Scott Dignan’s side will travel to lower-ranked Broadheath Central in the last 16.

“The county cup is important to us as it’s the only trophy we’ve yet to get our hands on,” says Evans.

“Now we have an opportunity to do exactly that, even if it’s not the way we would have liked to get through.

“I feel sorry for [Egerton manager] Steve [Hardy] and his players, but rules are rules.”

He told the Guardian that Knutsford expect to be tested by opponents that sit third in Cheshire League Two.

They also won the Altrincham and District Amateur League title last season without losing a game, finishing first for a second successive season.

Evans said: “This is a difficult draw, and we will have to be right on our game if we’re going to win.

“They beat us a couple of seasons ago at their place, and I remember they were really up for it and we were off the boil.

“There are a few lads in their side that used to play here, and they will want to put one over on us if they can.”

He refers to a meeting in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup two years ago, when Broadheath reached the next round following a 4-2 win at Manchester Road.

Reds have improved since a disappointing defeat against Egerton was followed by another to Congleton Vale in the JB Parker Challenge Cup.

Their scheduled meeting with Eagle was postponed due to dense fog last Saturday, although they had recorded a 4-2 victory at Crewe FC seven days earlier.

“I don’t think not playing Eagle will hamper our preparation,” said Evans.

“The first team still trained, and they will do again before Saturday.

“These sorts of things can throw you, but we’ll be well-prepared – we’ll always do as much as we can no matter what the weather does.”

Kick off on Saturday is at 1.30pm.

The victors have been paired with Poynton or Grappenhall, who also meet this weekend, in a draw for the quarter finals.