A MISTAKE in defence proved costly as Winsford United slipped to a stoppage time defeat at Ashton Athletic on Wednesday.

Blues, attempting to make up for the disappointment of exiting the FA Cup at the weekend, drew level after trailing at half time only to gift a decisive goal to substitute Adam Storey.

Goalkeeper Jason Foulds’ long clearance was missed by two visiting players who both moved to intercept it, leaving Storey to score from distance with a well-placed shot.

Rob Byrne’s men had blown their own chance to pinch the points when Kyle Riley blasted over seconds before.

The teams had traded chances in an even first half, Harry Noon creating Winsford’s earliest opening but Riley shot too close to Foulds.

Ben Kay fluffed a similarly clear chance, failing to hit the target with only Jones to beat.

Noon was then unlucky not to convert Alex Byrne’s cross.

Blues escaped again when Danny Egan blocked Sam Bailey’s goal-bound effort, then Ashton edged ahead from the penalty spot.

The visitors were upset that a defender was punished for handball from Danny Regan’s cross and, though Jones saved Kay’s resulting kick, the midfielder scrambled in the loose ball from the rebound.

Winsford equalised six minutes into the second half, Noon’s deflected attempt deceiving Foulds after the front man had pounced upon Kay’s sloppy pass.

Jones stooped low to save Danny Lever’s free kick, repeating the trick from a close range effort with time running out.

Wide man Dale Jennings’ attempt was smothered by a defender at the other end, then Riley blazed skywards Blues’ best chance of a winner.

Storey landed a sucker punch in the fourth minute of added time.

Ashton Foulds (GK), Cringle, Howard, Mawdsley, Edwards, Harrison, Regan (Storey 80), Kay, Mather (Midgeley 61), Downing, Bailey Subs not used Wilson, Broadhurst, Pitts Goals Kay 39, Storey 90

Winsford Andy Jones (GK), Byrne, McGuire, Jon Jones, Hampson, Ellison, Egan (Smith 79), Jennings, Noon, Riley, Williams Subs not used Walker, Gough, Clarke Goal Noon 51

Referee Leigh Doughty (Preston)

Attendance 85