THE Cheshire Football League Premier Division has officially been curtailed.

However, the likes of Knutsford and Egerton will still be able to get back on the field soon thanks to a new cup competition.

Clubs voted against playing the original league format to a finish but in its place will be the JB Parker Premier Division Cup – a 16-team, Champions League style knockout tournament.

The teams have been split into four groups, with teams playing each other twice and the top two from each pool qualifying for the knockout stages.

The group stages have been drawn and now both Knutsford sides know when and where their first six fixtures will be.

Egerton have been drawn in Group Two alongside Winstanley Warriors, Congleton Town Reserves and Garswood United while Knutsford find themselves in Group Four.

Reds will take on Eagle Sports, FC St Helens and Poynton in their group stage fixtures.

The first to return to competitive action will be Egerton, who travel to face Congleton Town Reserves on Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Knutsford will have to wait until April 17 for their first game in the competition – a trip to FC St Helens.

Cheshire Football League JB Parker Premier Division Cup, group stage draw:

Group One: Billinge, Crewe FC, Lostock Gralam, Daten

Group Two: Winstanley Warriors, Congleton Town Reserves, Garswood United, Egerton

Group Three: Greenalls PSO, Broadheath Central, Middlewich Town, Altrincham Res

Group Four: Poynton, FC St Helens, Eagle Sports, Knutsford

Meanwhile, Styal FC are also preparing to return to the field – the reserves are slated to host their Daten counterparts in Reserve League One on Saturday, April 3 while the first team visit Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves in League One on Tuesday, April 6.