WINSFORD United will be without defensive lynchpin Chris Middleton when they travel to Nelson tomorrow seeking a fifth successive win.

The former Congleton back-marker suffered a facial injury during a 3-1 win at Irlam last month.

His place could be taken by Will Foster, who is available again after his own lay-off.

Blues make the trip buoyed by winning their past four fixtures in the North West Counties League’s top-flight – their best run of results to date this season.

However they played only one Premier Division game during January following the postponement of meetings with Runcorn Linnets and Squires Gate.

“We seem to be racking up games in hand again and, while that’s frustrating, it can’t be helped,” player-manager Lee Duckworth told the Guardian.

Danny Egan (groin) is ruled out by injury, while midfielder Dale Jennings has work commitments.

However front man Jordan Johnson is available again after returning from a holiday.

Nelson occupy a place in the relegation zone, and sit 11 points adrift of fourth-bottom AFC Darwen.

However they ended a 13-match sequence without a league victory by beating fellow-strugglers New Mills a fortnight ago.

The Admirals also won last season’s corresponding meeting with Winsford, scoring five times.