LEE Duckworth has challenged Winsford United’s players to keep pace with the league’s leading teams for as long as possible.

Blues climbed to second in the table after beating Widnes on Monday, their third win in five games this term.

It was exactly the response the player-manager had hoped for following a 5-0 thrashing by Runcorn Linnets on Friday night.

“Luckily we didn’t have time to sulk,” said Duckworth.

“It’s one of those occasions when you’re glad to have another game so soon after the previous one, and we put behind us a poor performance [against Linnets].

“We weren’t downbeat, I’d call it frustration that we hadn’t shown what we’re capable of when presented with a chance to measure up against a top side.

“Sadly we fell short, but I know we’re better than that.”

A haul of 10 points from a run of fixtures during August that appeared daunting when written down has left Blues feeling optimistic.

They host neighbours Barnton on Saturday.

AFC Liverpool then await in Crosby on Wednesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

And Duckworth hopes his side can continue to gather momentum despite being depleted by absences.

He said: “When the fixtures came out, we expected a testing start and it has been.

“But I’m confident we can be a match for anybody at this level, and the results we’ve picked up prove that.

“What we need to do now is stick around at the top of the table if we can.

“It will help us to do that if guys are back available again – we were without half-a-dozen regulars on Monday.

“The lads that have stepped up took their chance though; it’s important to acknowledge that and not focus only on who wasn’t available to play.”