JORDAN Johnson scored the only goal, and missed a penalty, as Winsford United progressed in the Macron Cup on Saturday.

Their reward is to host Widnes in the last 16.

Player-manager Lee Duckworth may order extra practice from the spot before then after Blues missed a fourth in succession at the weekend.

They were already in front, when Johnson finished smartly after running onto Danny Kerr’s assist midway through the first half, when referee Michael Barlow awarded a penalty following a foul on Liam Collins.

Johnson’s attempt was saved easily by goalkeeper Lee Carr though.

Winsford survived a late rally by Litherland, who they were hosting for the first time, to squeeze through.

Blues had created the better chances early on, and Dale Jennings had a goal ruled out for offside inside 60 seconds.

At the other end, custodian Mike Langley thwarted Alex Ryan following a defensive error.

Jennings lobbed high when he came face-to-face with Carr, and the visitors’ custodian tipped the attacker’s next attempt wide of an upright shortly before the break.

Both goalkeepers were in action again early in the second period; Langley was swift from his line to deny James McGrane, while Carr stretched to divert Elliot Hull’s cross-cum-shot to safety.

Johnson had a shot blocked, then headed off-target from Scott Taylor’s cross after Hull had picked out the wide man.

Duckworth had to clear off the line to deny Litherland a leveller, as did Langley when Ryan’s speculative attempt from distance forced him to scramble.

Danny Egan, on as a substitute after recovering from a long-term foot injury, volleyed too close to Carr late on.

Winsford are in knockout action again on Tuesday when Macclesfield Town visit in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup, kick off 7.45pm.

Blues | Langley (GK), Tierney, Clarke, Allcock (Wady 69), Duckworth, Kerr, Taylor, Hull (Egan 77), Johnson (Riley 74), Jennings, Collins Sub not used Osborne (GK) Goal Johnson 21 Booked Duckworth, Riley

Litherland | Carr (GK), Connor (Robinson 68), Flynn, Tyson, King (Gannon 46), McConchie, McGrane, Stafford (Peacock 64), Toley, Ryan, Seddon Sub not used McDonald Booked McConchie

Referee Michael Barlow

Attendance 132