LEE Duckworth has said competition for places in Winsford United’s starting line-up will help keep standards high during the run-in.

Blues ended a busy week by recruiting attacking midfielder Jack Banister from Cheshire League side AFC Macclesfield.

Goalkeeper Michael Langley is back at St Luke’s Barton Stadium following a spell at Premier Division rivals Runcorn Town, while defender Danny McDonnell returns too from Abbey Hey.

“We’ve made a few signings that we believe will make us better,” said the player-manager.

“When a player of Mike Langley’s calibre becomes available, then you’d be a fool to miss out.

“He’s still one of the best in the league.

“Danny is obviously somebody I’ve known for a while; he’s a versatile defender who adds something I’ve felt we’ve been missing.

“He’s strong too, and will improve the back four wherever we deploy him.”

Will Foster is available again after returning to training following an operation, while captain Kyle Riley has completed a ban.

Wide man Brandon Moores has recovered from an injury too.

Duckworth has warned his players they will not be allowed to take things easy in Blues’ remaining games.

His side still has 11 matches to play following the postponement of home dates with Nelson, last Saturday, and then West Didsbury 48 hours later.

They have slipped from the top 10 as a result.

“There will be no coasting from here,” he added.

“I’m an ambitious guy, and I want us to go as far up the table as we can. We want to prove we’re continuing to make progress.

“When we came in last season, the club was on a downer.

“Our aim then was to stabilise things, which we did, before kicking on this time around.”

Winsford recovered from 3-0 down to secure a deserved draw at Squires Gate when the sides met earlier this month, where substitute Danny Egan netted a last-minute leveller.

However after securing maximum points only once in their past five league matches, they are keen to gather momentum again.

Visitors Gate are in a similar position after failing to win any of their Premier Division fixtures since January 7.