LEE Duckworth has said the performance of Winsford United’s players in their remaining matches will determine whether they will be at the club next season.

Blues have not won any of their past-half dozen games, losing five of them, and the player-manager told the Guardian he is determined not to let the campaign peter out.

“There are lads playing for their futures,” he said.

“We’re open to being persuaded, and what happens between now and the end of the month can influence our thinking.

“Our minds aren’t made up yet on everybody, but we have ideas on where we’d like to strengthen.

“We’ve lacked a bit of nous at times, and not been clinical enough.”

Despite taking on four of the North West Counties League Premier Division’s top five teams during the current run, he feels Blues ought to have collected more points.

He cites a 4-1 defeat against 1874 Northwich on Monday as an example.

“It was a performance that typified our season,” he said.

“We woke up after going behind, but finished the first half strongly and created chances.

“Their goalkeeper made a couple of fantastic saves, but we applied pressure and had opportunities to get our noses in front.

“We then gifted them a goal after half-time by giving the ball away cheaply.

“At 2-1, and with 15 minutes left, we decided to go for it.

“It didn’t quite work out, and we seemed to lack the mojo we’ve shown plenty of previously.”

Champions-elect Atherton Collieries, seven points clear with three games to go, are due at St Luke’s Barton Stadium tomorrow.

Blues lost narrowly when the sides met last week.

“That was probably our best performance of the season,” rued Duckworth.

Colls will be promoted as champions if they win and Bootle fail to beat Abbey Hey.

Wide man Brandon Moores has returned to training this week, but Danny Egan (knee) continues to struggle with an injury.

Midfielder James Rothwell (head) is likely to be ruled out after suffering a cut on Monday that prompted a visit to hospital.

Goalkeeper Michael Langley is available again too.