DEFIANT defending earned Blues their first draw of the season.

Title chasers Trafford, with 29 goals to their name in their past seven matches, were kept at bay by a resolute Winsford.

They even dared chase a victory.

In the end Mischa Showers late leveller was just reward for one of their best displays of the season.

Everyone from goalkeeper Michael Langley to debutant Dave Ridler excelled, reducing the hosts to speculative shots from long distance for most of the second half.

It was Winsford who rarely threatened in the first period and, deservedly, Trafford took the lead deep into injury time when they were gited possession.

Chris Mackay swept down the right before delivering a pinpoint cross that was guided home by Scott Barlow.

It was a different story after the interval.

Joe Gibiliru's men dominated possession but only Chris Sheppard's 55th minute shot caused goalkeeper Tom Read any concern Winsford spent the final quarter camped in Trafford territory and Phil Mason's 30-yard blast on 82 minutes was only foiled by Read's fingertip save.

However, with the clock showing just five minutes left the Blues got the equaliser they richly deserved.

Mason's corner from the right was cleared off the line by a panicking but only as far as Showers lurking on the edge of the penalty area.

He hit the ball first time and the net bulged before the home defence could even begin to react.

STAR MAN: Mark Calland - Fine display at the heart of the defence
BLUES: Langley, Sayer, Duckworth (Owens 67), Barnes, Calland, Bluck (Kennedy 88), Mason, Showers, Connell (Miranda 67), Ridler, Sheppard
Subs not used: Callaghan, Pomford
Attendance: 98