Abbey Hey 2 Winsford United 1

WINSFORD United succumbed to a late Abbey Hey goal on Saturday, despite dominating for long periods of the game.

Sam Marshall levelled on the hour after Brandon Zibaka’s first-half penalty had put the hosts ahead, but they took maximum points thanks to Nico Collins’ late winner.

Marshall cut inside on two minutes and released a goal-bound shot that was diverted into the path of Steve Yarwood only for the debutant to fire over.

At the other end, a speculative effort by Zibaka was gathered by Blues custodian Dean Williams at the second attempt.

Dale Jennings was next to go close, turning Tom Clarke’s cross over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box.

However, when Tom Murray’s free-kick struck Marshall’s arm on 36 minutes, the referee pointed to the spot and Zibaka converted.

Rob Byrne’s men had a chance to respond from the spot themselves four minutes later when Kyle Riley was fouled, but his effort was saved by Jon McIlwaine.

The rebound fell to Alex Byrne, but with the goal gaping in front of him he scooped over the bar.

Byrne had a chance to make amends when Blues were awarded a free kick, only to see his effort drop inches wide of the post.

Yarwood went close after the break and his cross on 54 minutes ended in Riley’s glancing header crashing against the bar.

The visitors pulled level when Byrne and Noon combined to find Marshall in the box, and he levelled at the far post.

But with four minutes remaining, and Blues camped in Hey’s half, the hosts broke away for Collins to slot under the advancing Williams.

Winsford: Williams (GK), Byrne, Clarke, Jon Jones, Baker, Shaw, Jennings, Yarwood (McQuillan 80), Riley (Matthews 60), Noon, Marshall. Subs not used: Gough, Seol, Wareing. Attendance: 58.