KNUTSFORD FC delivered an improved display but bowed out of the Altrincham Senior Cup at the quarter-final stage at the weekend.

Reds, struggling for players and stuck in the bottom four of the Cheshire Football League Premier Division, bowed out 4-2 at Broadheath Central, who sit two places lower in the table.

Knutsford, without a win since mid-November, are in need of a boost, according to chairman Jimmy Evans.

"The performance was better but we can't buy a win at the moment and confidence is low," he said.

"We're down to the bare bones and short of players. We need to sign some new ones though that's easier said than done."

A constant lack of availability of players means manager Jordan Gunter is continually having to shuffle the team, which on Saturday included sub goalkeeper Callum Spencer playing up front for a spell in the second half.

With resources stretched again at the weekend, four more changes were made to the starting line-up and an inexperienced bench was named.

Despite this, Reds were the better team in the first half of an error-riddled game and turned round 1-0 ahead thanks to a debut goal from 17-year-old front man Kyle Phipps.

His left-footed shot from 12 yards went in off the inside of the right post.

There were plenty of chances created, especially from wide areas, for further scores that were not taken.

Phipps went close on two other occasions, Mark Evans flashed one shot over the bar and had another effort blocked.

Midfielder Milan Thompson put a shot wide, while Shane Davies had an effort deflected over the bar.

Broadheath were restricted to an occasional counter attack, with Matt Mountney clearing one attempt off the line while keeper Steven Dryden was relieved Reece Davies' free header from six yards went straight to his hands.

Broadheath adjusted their shape and were more effective in the second half.

On 50 minutes, Knutsford failed to clear from a throw-in and Jody Banim smashed home for 1-1.

Reds struck straight back though when Milan Thompson found Barney Wynne wide right and an excellent cross into the six-yard box allowed Davies to head home.

It was then end to end, but Broadheath took their chances.

Centre-half Jake Goulden ran through Knutsford’s defence with no challenges and smashed home for 2-2 on 59 minutes.

With substitutions made with 25 minutes remaining, Broadheath suddenly looked the more likely to break the deadlock.

Swindell's free header made it 3-2 and then on 90 minutes Sutherland was adjudged to have fouled in the box and up stepped Goulden to fire home his second.

With 12 league games remaining, including Saturday's home clash with Eagle Sports, kick-off 2pm, plus a cup semi-final appearance, there is lots o do for Reds to turn around a disappointing season so far.

Knutsford: Dryden, Sutherland, Riley, Mountney (Spencer), Cartner, Rezayan, Evans, Thompson, Wynne, Phipps (Berisford), Davies. Sub not used: Gunter.