WINSFORD United have slipped to within a point of the relegation zone in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

This is a consequence of a 3-0 loss on Saturday at second-from-bottom Padiham, whose second win of the campaign not only leaves them a draw adrift of Blues but Ashton Athletic and Runcorn Town too in a tight lower end.

Lee Duckworth's side were behind from the second minute when Jamie Ramwell netted the first of his two goals for the Lancashire side at Arbories Memorial Sports Ground.

His second came in the sixth minute of added time, but Zack Dale had put The Storks truly in command in the 51st minute.

For Winsford it was a sixth straight defeat.

Their last win in a competitive fixture came at home to Stapenhill in the FA Vase first qualifying round on September 11.

They will hope to take some confidence out of Tuesday night's win against Cheshire League side Knutsford FC in a friendly at Barton Stadium.

Reds, under the new management of Nathan Steele, were beaten 4-2 with Sam Madeley and Danny Boden getting among the goals.

They host fellow strugglers AFC Liverpool on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

The visitors are currently one point and two places above Blues in the table.

Turnstile entry prices are adults £7, concessions £5, under 16s £1.

They also have the chance to do themselves a favour and take points of lowly Runcorn Town when they go there on October 23.

But before that they take a break from league action on Tuesday when they head to the U Lock It Stadium (formerly known as Wincham Park) to face Witton Albion in the Cheshire County FA Senior Cup.

Albions 1-0 success at home to Ashton United on Tuesday was their third victory in a row. Witton play their football two promotions above Winsford's level.