BLUES lost again and slip to seventh spot.

But the scoreline did not tell the full story as Joe Gibiliru's men laid siege to the home goal for most of the second half.

They were unlucky to earn no reward.

The visitors contained the Congleton's in-form forward line in the opening minutes only to fall behind to a sucker punch on 12 minutes when Carl Nesbitt's optimistic punt from 35-yards found the bottom right corner of the net.

There followed a period of pressure on the visitors' goal and Michael Langley was injured keeping one effort out.

The resulting corner saw John Bluck make a spectacular goal-line clearance.

Lee Thompson was making a promising debut for Winsford and it was his strength and skill that led to the equaliser on 37 minutes.

The former Warrington Town front runner powered his way past two defenders before his shot was cleared as far as Bluck on the right.

Blues' schemer spotted top scorer Les Miranda in space and the veteran headed his 21st goal of the season from close range.

Winsford's joy was short-lived.

Two minutes later their defence was once again opened up, this time for Matt Woolley to powered a shot into the top corner.

The visitors came out with renewed vigour after the break and both Miranda and Thompson, with a free kick, saw shots fly inches wide.

They came closest on the hour when Darren Connell's shot was turned onto the post by Bears' keeper Adam Wilkes.

That was to be the story of the rest of the game as further efforts from Connell, Miranda and sub Dean Ennion came to nothing.

Star Man: Michael Owens
Blues: Langley (GK), Calland, Duckworth (Ennion 79), Owens, Callaghan, Bluck, Thompson (Kennedy 79), Showers, Connell (Mason 68), Miranda, Sheppard
Subs not used: Dears, Madin
Attendance: 154