LEE Duckworth said he had no complaints after Winsford United slipped to a surprise defeat at New Mills on Saturday.

Blues, beaten only once in their previous nine North West Counties League matches, came a cropper against opponents that had won only three games all season.

“We got what we deserved, which is diddly squat,” said the player-manager.

“I think one or two were complacent, and they’ve been reminded that no team is prepared to give you points.

“We didn’t learn a lesson from our last game against Cammell Laird, and this time left ourselves with too much to do.”

Winsford had gone closest to taking the lead when James Rothwell’s header, from Duckworth’s corner, was smuggled off the line.

However they fell behind midway through the first half when Nathan Neequaye made room on the edge of the penalty area for a shot he drilled past goalkeeper Matthew Green.

Blues levelled shortly afterwards when in-form Jordan Johnson steered in at the far post after Nathan Cotterell and Dale Jennings linked neatly in the build-up.

They were on terms only briefly though, Neequaye converting a penalty after Rothwell was harshly judged by referee Lee Freeman to have felled Robert Lofthouse.

Blues toiled to create chances in the second half, during which the Millers withdrew to protect their interval advantage.

Substitute Liam Collins’ cross was volleyed high by Johnson, while Cotterell’s attempt with time running out was deflected over the bar.

Duckworth added: “Some lads felt they could raise it after half-time, but New Mills are a better side than that and were never going to roll over.

“It’s a reminder to a young team that they have to work hard to have a chance of getting any reward at all.”

Bluese return to action at Squires Gate tomorrow, Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Millers | Martin (GK), Olopade, Samms, Hopper, O’Connor, Gaskin, Abreu, Lofthouse (Samuel Scott 70), Neequaye (Sherriff 80), Pollard (Callum Scott 72), Marshall Subs not used Collinson, Joe Rothwell Goals Neequaye 26, 37 (penalty) Booked Hopper, Marshall

Blues | Green (GK), Taylor, Duckworth, James Rothwell, Middleton, Perry, Steele (Hatton 86), Howell (Collins 60), Johnson, Jennings, Cotterell Subs not used Egan, Hull, Sam Riley Goal Johnson 34 Booked Duckworth, Rothwell, Jennings

Referee Lee Freeman

Attendance 102

Additonal reporting by Bob Astles