WINSFORD United played against 10 men for the entire second half, but they could not find a way to stop a seven-match sequence from ending.

Blues trailed 1-0 when Francis Smith was sent off by referee Darren Rogers as punishment for a crude tackle on Scott Taylor.

However it was Reds who added to their tally late on when Emini Adegbenro pounced on a mistake by goalkeeper Matthew Green to steer in a second goal.

Winsford’s unbeaten run started when they saw off Liverpool at St Luke’s Barton Stadium before Christmas, propelling them into the table’s top 10.

They were fortunate not to fall behind when Sean Calvert blazed high on Saturday, while at the other end James Rothwell shot straight at goalkeeper Dominic Garner after linking Kyle Riley.

Conor Smith did put the hosts ahead on 28 minutes, firing a free kick into the top corner.

His namesake then saw red, and Blues felt they were denied a penalty before the break when a defender handled Dale Jennings’ cross.

Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, Winsford struggled to create clear openings in the second period.

Taylor, Jennings and Rothwell all tried their luck, while Green was alert to push Jack Leamey’s effort around an upright at the other end.

Sam Howell’s introduction as a substitute gave the visitors greater control, but they could not convert possession into chances.

Their best opening arrived with four minutes left when Garner spilled Howell’s attempt, but Reds’ custodian recovered quickly to block Lee Duckworth’s follow-up.

Instead Adegbenro, after Green slipped trying to clear, claimed a goal that ended their hopes of pinching a point.

Winsford are back in action at home to promotion-hopefuls Bootle this Satuday, kick off 3pm.

Liverpool | Garner (GK), Brislen, Hughes (Champion 70), Swatton, Ager, Christou, Leamey (Hont 78), Francis Smith, Adegbenro, Calvert (Whelan 86), Conor Smith Subs not used Grainger, Dalton Goals Smith 28, Adegbenro 90 Booked Christou, Adegbenro, Hont Sent off Smith

Winsford | Green (GK), Perry, Duckworth, Parr (Howell 75), Foster, Middleton, Taylor, Rothwell, Riley, Johnson (Hatton 67), Jennings Sub not used Hull Booked Foster, Middleton, Riley

Referee Darren Rogers

Attendance 101