WINSFORD United must now turn their attention back to league matters after this week’s double cup disappointment.

It will not be an easy assignment either for Lee Duckworth’s men, with North West Counties League Premier Division leaders Rylands making the trip to Barton Stadium on Saturday.

The Warrington side are unbeaten this season while Blues’ winless run in all competitions has now stretched to five games.

Higher-ranked Ramsbottom United knocked them out of the FA Cup on Monday evening as they triumphed 3-1 in a first qualifying round replay at Barton Stadium.

That came just two days after Duckworth’s side conceded a 92nd-minute winner at Gresley to exit the FA Vase.

Winsford gave a debut to new signing James Blair – brought in from 1874 Northwich – on Saturday and slotted straight into midfield.

Despite dominating much of the game, Blues could not take their chances and were made to pay in injury time when Gresley captain Albert Landsdowne converted a free kick to send the Derbyshire outfit through.

They had an immediate chance to redeem themselves in the FA Cup but failed to take what appeared to be a glorious chance presented to them.

While leading 1-0 through a Ruben Jerome strike, visitors Ramsbottom saw Harry Norris sent off before half time, meaning Winsford had a whole half to play against 10 men.

However, they could not make the most of their advantage and Jerome struck twice more to complete his hat-trick and send the Rams through.

Blues did pull one back thanks to a piece of inspiration from full-back Damian Skolorzynski.

With almost the last kick of the game, Skolorzynski let fly from 25 yards and his shot found the top corner to give Blues fans something to cheer.