AFTER a spectacular fall, Winsford United picked themselves back up.

Blues put behind them the disappointment of a five-goal hammering at Runcorn Linnets on Friday, and a depleted side deserved their victory against promoted Widnes.

They took the lead after 11 minutes when Brandon Moores, after smothering Jay Roberts’ attempted clearance, slid a smart finish underneath goalkeeper Ryan Taylor.

The visitors responded, and custodian Michael Langley produced a fine double-save to deny George Lomax and Kevin Towey.

Blues continued to pose a threat too, and Moores was inches away from a decisive connection with Callam Gardner’s cross.

Ryan Steele’s attempt dipped a fraction too late, while George Riley prompted Taylor to parry after shooting on the turn.

Widnes’ number one was alert as well when he pushed over Gardner’s free-kick.

Winsford breathed a sigh of relief early in the second period when Chris Middleton’s header forced Langley to stretch fully to prevent an own goal.

Blues then doubled their lead in spectacular style.

When Gardner’s free-kick rebounded off a defensive wall into Riley’s path, the debutant midfielder lashed the ball into the bottom corner from distance.

Tails up, the home team pushed for another goal and Sam Howell was thwarted by another Taylor save.

Widnes improved in the closing stages, and Perry Bircumshaw defended brilliantly to deny George Lomax.

The same player fired into the side-netting before earning the reward of a goal on 71 minutes after being left unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box.

Applying pressure, Widnes were denied when Damian Skolorzynski timed a tackle perfectly.

Lomax’s drive was saved by Langley next to an upright, then Towey fluffed a sitter.

Blues held on though to record a third win in five North West Counties League fixtures this season.

Barnton visit St Luke’s Barton Stadium on Saturday.

Winsford | Langley (GK), Skolorzynski, Bircumshaw, Kerr, Middleton, Riley, Gardner, Hopper, Moores (Hudson 36), Howell, Steele (Scott Taylor 72) Subs not used Rothwell, Hatton, Heywood (GK) Goals Moores 11, Riley 53 Booked Howell

Widnes | Ryan Taylor (GK), Roberts, Mitchell, Sheen (Laverty 85), White, Pollard, Towey, Myler, George Lomax, Edwards, Quirk Subs not used Chris Lomax, Whyte, Graham, Woods Goal George Lomax 71 Booked Sheen

Referee Michael Herzog

Attendance 180