nwcl premier division

Alsager Town 1 Winsford United 2

FOR much of the game it looked as though a series of missed chances would cost Winsford Town a glorious opportunity for three points, only for a late Andy Hurst strike to seal the deal for the visitors.

The win takes them up to 10th in the North West Counties Premier Division, and with a winnable game against bottom club Atherton LR to come on Saturday, they have the chance to close the gap on ninth-placed Blackpool.

Winsford had the chance to make the game safe within the opening 15 minutes, with Jamie Henders spurning two golden chances when one-on-one with the keeper and Hurst putting a shot inches wide of the upright.

Luckily it did not matter too much, as they got the goal their play deserved moments later when Lee Jones let fly a superb 35-metre strike that nestled in the top corner.

Alsager did have chances to draw level, but as the first half drew to a close Blues keeper Andy Jones produced a string of saves to help his side take their lead into the break.

Henders' profligacy in front of goal continued at the restart, missing another one-on-one before Daley Woods and Richard Bailey both missed chances to extend their lead.

It looked as though those wasted chances would come back to hanut them when James Marrow's goal dragged the hosts level, but Hurst was on hand to rescue Winsford when he headed home Ryan Stewart’s cross at the death.

Winsford: Andrew Jones (GK), Jack McKay, Ryan Stewart, Daniel Thomas, Lee Duckworth, Lee Jones, Daley Woods, Richard Bailey, Jamie Henders, Andrew Hurst, Matthew Ward. Subs not used: Paul Lewis, Shaun Came, Stuart Rudd.