WINSFORD’S men have closed to within a victory of securing a return to the South and Mid Cheshire League’s top flight.

Despite failing to win for a third successive week, a 4-4 draw at Congleton C on Tuesday leaves them three points clear of their closest rivals in Division Two.

Mark Abbiss, Alex Lerczak, Simon Nuttall and Martin Stoilov were on court for the title-hopefuls, who can make certain of a two-two finish if they win at Hartford F tomorrow.

Winsford B, without a fixture last week, are part of a three-team battle for promotion from the fourth tier.

Their lead is worth a solitary point with four matches left.

In Division Five, Winsford C won for an 11th time in a dozen attempts on Thursday – this time by 7½-½ at Holmes Chapel C.

Steve Abbiss, Bill Lawrie, Steve McCormack and Chris Mundie made up the Knights Grange outfit’s quartet. Winsford’s newly-formed mixed team protected their unbeaten record by beating Holmes Chapel in Division Two on Sunday.

Lerczak and Nuttall once again joined forces with Julia Kimpton and Jackie Penn.

Club chairman Chris Mayoh has thanked sponsors Cliff Dickenson & Son and Steve Dunning Windows for their support this season.