IF Winsford United were worried, they did not show it.

As they had done in a previous meeting with the Premier Division’s back-markers in September, Blues conceded the first goal.

They trailed at the interval too before Jordan Johnson’s four-goal burst tipped the contest their way, propelling Lee Duckworth’s men to eighth in the table.

Charlie MacInnes’ first-half opener, when he lobbed a through-ball over goalkeeper Matthew Green, put an obstacle in a route there.

Blues had dominated possession, but were wasteful with their shooting.

They were less so in the second half, and drew level on 54 minutes when Steve Jenyons’ touch was decisive following a goalmouth scramble.

Within 60 seconds, Blues had taken the lead.

James Rothwell, standing in as captain with Kyle Riley suspended, held off the challenge of three defenders before sliding a smart finish under visiting custodian Dave Parkinson.

Debutant Ryan Steele tried his luck before a third goal arrived when Nathan Cotterell’s perfectly-placed header teed up Johnson to score with power.

He then rose high to steer substitute Steve Warburton’s cross onto an upright and into the net off an unwitting Parkinson’s back.

Now rampant, Blues led 5-1 when Johnson converted from close range.

He completed a fine solo performance with time running out, heading in at the far post.

There was time for him to almost add another, only for a drive from distance to strike the crossbar.

By then though, Blues early blushes had long since disappeared.

Blues | Green (GK), Perry (Collins 54), Duckworth, Rothwell, Jenyons, Middleton, Steele (Warburton 74), Howell, Johnson, Hatton (Bircumshaw 67), Cotterell Sub not used Osborne (GK) Goals Jenyons 54, Rothwell 55, Johnson 70, 76, 84, 89

Laird | Parkinson (GK), Lomax (Rooney 83), Maguire, Aspinall, Bainbridge, Lewis, Maldon, Murray, MacInnes (Morrison 80), McPolin, Burston Sub not used McGraa Goal MacInnes 35 Booked Lomax, Aspinall

Referee Michael Crusham

Attendance 132