KNUTSFORD FC are gearing up for the new season in what they describe as being the shortest summer break in history.

Having finished their 2023-24 programme on May 30, the Cheshire Football League campaign returns on Saturday, July 27.

Reds have been back in pre-season training since June 29.

“It is credit to our management and players to get things up and running after minimal time off,” said Knutsford chairman Jimmy Evans.

The Manchester Road outfit played their first pre-season friendly against Old Alts on an artificial surface in Partington and won 6-1 with six trialists featuring.

They will be away again this Saturday against Moreton FC at Bidston Sports and Activity Centre, Wirral, and then on Tuesday Reds are scheduled to host St Michaels, kick-off 7pm.

“We have retained most of our players from last season and are looking at adding new lads also,” confirmed Evans.

“We were very disappointed to miss out on promotion last season on ‘goal difference’ but are ready to go again.”

GOLF: Former Styal Golf Club junior Daniel Hayes helped England pick up the silver medal in the European Boys’ Team Championship at Diamond Club in Austria.

They beat Finland 4.5-2.5 and Sweden 4-1 (due to a reduced competition because of inclement weather), before being beaten 3.5-1.5 by France in the final.

With this result, the England boys have qualified for the Junior Golf World Cup in Japan next year.

Elsewhere, Alderley Edge Golf Club women were in stableford action with Charlie Hodge cruising home with 44, five more than Aileen Martin The nine-hole winner was Yvonne Grundy with 24.

A 9-hole stableford for Edge’s men had Steve Bennett on top with 22 from Joshua Harding and Shaun Price, both 18.

The latest round of the Summer Cup for Styal ladies was close with Andrea Savin winning a card play-off on 19 from Mel Hill.

The first round of the club championship at Styal was led in by Cole Brown 72, one less than Cheshire Ladies champion Erin Parker and Charlie Ward.

A Sunday Stableford at Styal had Mark Thompson on top with 39, one more than James Hinds.