WINSFORD United led three times against improving AFC Blackpool on Saturday, but they still had to settle for a draw.

Blues extend an unbeaten run to four games though, and only title-chasing Atherton Collieries have scored more goals in the past half-dozen league matches.

Lee Duckworth’s men are now only two points from a return to the table’s top 10.

As they had done when Congleton visited Barton Stadium on Monday, his side established an early lead when Danny Hudson cut inside from the left touchline before firing with power past visiting goalkeeper Adam Caunce.

Richard Seear prompted custodian Dale Latham to save smartly at the other end, and was denied in shooting stride by Adam Bayley’s well-timed tackle shortly afterwards.

Blackpool, who had also avoided defeat in their previous three fixtures, restored parity on 32 minutes when Aaron Fleming blasted a free kick into the net from long distance.

But Blues were back in front by the break, this time when in-form Scott Taylor swerved a shot in off the far upright to leave Caunce clutching at thin air.

Blackpool were better at the start of the second half, and Latham had to be alert to save from Fleming.

A second equaliser did arrive on 51 minutes though, Duffield applying a finishing touch from close range after Winsford failed to clear a left-wing cross.

Persistent rainfall made an already-heavy pitch even more difficult to play on for the remainder.

Winsford edged ahead a third time after an hour, when Hibbert headed in Rothwell’s corner kick.

Charlie Waters fluffed a chance to level when he had the goal at his mercy, then Hibbert’s free kick skidded goal-wards off the wet surface and almost caught out Caunce.

Taylor was next to go close, but Blackpool’s number one tipped over his header from Duckworth’s set piece.

It was 3-3 with 20 minutes left, when Waters made up for his earlier miss by lifting a cute finish over Latham after Duckworth’s back-pass was held up in the mud.

Blues can still start Monday’s derby with tenants 1874 Northwich in buoyant mood – after one defeat in their past six games, this is their best run of results this season.

Blues | Latham (GK), Hibbert, Duckworth, Hull (Hammond 74), Davies, Bayley, Taylor, Rothwell, Riley, Mellor, Hudson Subs not used Egan, Houston, Seol, Eiselt Goals Hudson 2, Taylor 44, Hibbert 58 Booked Taylor

Blackpool | Caunce (GK), Richardson, Ben Seear, Masters, Carroll, Thornber (Wilkes 86), Muscroft, Waters, Richard Seear, Duffield, Fleming (Betteridge 76) Subs not used Shaw, Bottomley Goals Fleming 30, Duffield 51, Waters 70 Booked Muscroft

Referee Daniel Issawi

Attendance 113

Additional reporting by Bob Astles