KNUTSFORD FC face a tough challenge on Saturday.

They travel to Warrington to tackle Cheshire League One leaders Daten, kick-off 2pm.

Reds, who are currently third, would reduce the gap between them to three points if they can secure a victory.

Being among the leading group at this stage though is quite an achievement for Knutsford in the circumstances.

“We have now utilised 29 different players in our opening nine games with 26 different 'starters',” said chairman Jimmy Evans.

“This highlights the player 'availability' issue and the difficult task our co-managers face.”

Player availability in grassroots football has been an issue for some time, but probably not helped at the moment through players’ summer holidays.

With 12 players unavailable, Nick Ward and Jordan Gunter had to shuffle the pack again for Saturday’s home clash with Malpas.

And with goalkeeper Dominic Smith being away, they signed a new netminder in the shape of Joe Lawlor from Wythenshawe.

The workrate of the team was good but the quality in forward areas was lacking.

Knutsford had most of the play but could not find a goal, much to the frustration of their supporters as the contest ended 0-0.

Reds even earned a penalty but failed to make it count.

“A disappointing result. We had many chances but couldn't take them. Should have been three points,” said Evans.

In the opening half, Charlie Rodick fired wide from a good move down the left, Brandon Blades shot over the crossbar, Daniel Ardern had a shot well saved and Graeme Brotherton headed wide from a corner.

Lawlor looked composed in goal and produced a great save to deny Malpas.

After the break, Jonny Cavanagh fired over the bar from 10 yards, Blades had a shot saved and Brotherton headed over.

Rodick was bowled over in the box and the referee awarded a penalty on 80 minutes and although Cavanagh hit a firm penalty to the left a firm hand from the goalkeeper directed the ball over.

Malpas were hanging on as Knutsford went for it.

A cross from Arder fell to Cavanagh who screwed his volley wide in the best of the late chances.

Knutsford: Lawlor, Wilbraham, Cavanagh, Maunder, Brotherton, Newman, Kennedy, Ardern, Rodick, Blades, Holt. Subs used: Mattimore, Wooley, Haslam