WINSFORD United’s patience was rewarded when they ended the resistance of lower-ranked opponents to reach the Macron Cup second round on Saturday.

Captain Kyle Riley scored a hat-trick for Blues, who host Litherland at the next stage later this month.

Player-manager Lee Duckworth included four debutants, including a return to Barton Stadium for Lee Jones and Elliot Hull, in a side heavily-depleted again by injuries.

They still assumed control, and winger Scott Taylor went closest to an opening goal when his lob from distance dropped narrowly wide with Atherton’s goalkeeper Louis Murray out of position.

Brandon Moores’ attempt was turned around an upright early in the second period before the introduction of Dale Jennings led to a breakthrough.

He supplied a pass for Riley on 68 minutes, and the forward slid it under Murray to put Blues in front.

The hosts’ skipper ought to have added second when he blasted against the crossbar, and the woodwork helped out LR again when Duckworth’s free kick hit an upright after being deflected.

Jones doubled Winsford’s lead on 80 minutes, steering a perfectly-placed shot through a crowd, before Riley completed his hat-trick by netting twice in quick succession.

He skipped around Murray for the first, then converted Duckworth’s cross at the back post.

Blues, due at Congleton tonight, Tuesday, head to Runcorn Town in the North West Counties League on Saturday.

Maine Road are then their guests on Monday, kick off 7.45pm.

Winsford | Langley (GK), Jones, Duckworth, Kerr, Parr, Cain, Taylor, Hull (Jennings 46), Riley, Brazel (Hatton 85), Moores (Bailey 75) Subs not used Rothwell, Bayley Goals Riley 68, 87, 90 Jones 80 Booked Riley

Atherton LR | Murray (GK), Shanbarg, Rathburne, Lawrence (Halliwell 10), Clarkson, Parkinson, Welch (Moor 60), Mostyn (Guest 46), Favour, Bafana, Owens Sub not used Rogers Booked Clarkson, Bafana

Referee Chris Porter (Leyland)

Attendance 83