WINSFORD United missed the chance to move up to seventh in the North West Counties League's Premier Division after visitors Irlam were victorious on Monday night.

Blues looked to be on the right course when Will Foster cancelled out Daniel Eyres’ opener, but goals from Steve Mills and Jordan Icely in the last 10 minutes put Irlam in command.

Nathan Cotterell’s wonder goal in the dying minutes gave Lee Duckworth’s side hope, but the visitors held on for the victory.

a bumpy pitch at Barton Stadium proved tricky for both sides but the visitors hit the front in the 12th minute.

Good link-up play ended with Eyres’ low shot beat Blues stopper Matthew Green and go in off the post.

Daniel Greene then had a goal ruled out for offside as Irlam continued to be in the ascendancy.

Blues skipper Kyle Riley shot straight at Irlam custodian Lee White when well-placed and that was the closest Winsford came before the break.

The hosts emerged for the second half with more purpose, with James Rothwell testing White before his composure let him down shortly after having beat three defenders.

However, Winsford were level when a corner found Foster, who powered home a far-post header.

Parity was short-lived as Mills scored a carbon copy of Foster’s goal to give Irlam the lead again before Icely profited from a comical mix-up in the Blues defence to extend the lead with six minutes remaining.

There was still time for Cotterell to set up a grandstand finish when he let fly from 35 yards and his shot found the top corner.

Winsford could not find a leveller in injury time and now face a trip to AFC Darwen on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Winsford | Green, McDonnell (Steele 56), Duckworth, Rothwell, Foster, Middleton, Taylor, Howell, Riley (Egan 69), Johnson (Moores 69), Cotterell Subs not used Hatton, Osborne (GK)

Attendance 157