DEBUTANT David Short scored a wonder goal to help Winsford United end a six-match sequence without a victory in the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

The striker lifted a perfectly-executed lob over AFC Liverpool goalkeeper Germano Mendes from close to the halfway line to put Blues in front on Monday.

Captain Kyle Riley doubled the hosts’ lead when he converted a penalty after the interval, sending his side into a Boxing Day derby with tenants 1874 Northwich in optimistic mood.

Winsford might have taken the lead inside 30 seconds, only for Nathan Cotterell’s blast from distance to fly inches wide.

At the other end, custodian Andy Jones – making only his fourth appearance of the season following Michael Langley’s departure to promotion-chasing Runcorn Town – was alert to tip Paul Speed’s effort around a post.

Short prompted Mendes to save smartly, but the Reds’ number one could do nothing about his next attempt midway through the opening period.

Sam Parr’s slalom into opposition territory almost earned him reward, only for Mendes to palm his shot over the crossbar.

Blues’ lead remained intact at the break thanks to Jones, who was at his best to deny Connor Belger.

The home team’s net-minder then used a boot to block Speed’s attempt shortly after half-time.

Riley kept claim to score from the spot after Marvin Molyneux pushed over Brandon Moores, and Blues protected their advantage for the remainder.

Belger ought to have halved his side’s arrears, only to pass when it seemed simpler to score, while Winsford substitute Harry Brazel miskicked with the goal at his mercy.

Short, recruited from Mossley where former Blues’ boss Lloyd Morrison is in joint charge, was off-target with two efforts in the closing stages.

Winsford | Jones (GK), Henson, Bennett, Kerr, Parr, Middleton, Moores (Collins 73), Rothwell, Riley (Brazel 78), Short, Cotterell Subs not used Taylor, Perry, Tickle Goals Short 23, Riley 58 (penalty) Booked Rothwell

Liverpool | Mendes (GK), Brislen, Essery, Molyneux, Calvert, Hont, Belger, Speed, Dillon (Wright 77), Smith, Leamey (Carey 61) Subs not used Dalton, Toohey Booked Molyneux, Speed

Referee Thomas Kirk

Attendance 144