WINSFORD were convincing winners despite finishing with nine men.

They reached the last eight after becoming the first team this term to shut out Trafford, who also had two players sent off.

Dogged defending earned Blues a worthy victory.

Les Miranda set them on their way with his 23rd strike of the season, later added to by Lee Thompson's penalty - his first for the club - and sub Ross Kennedy's breakaway third.

The outcome could have been different talented Trafford launched attack after attack on Blues' goal early on but they found Michael Langley in top form as he thwarted Scott Metcalfe, Harry Winter, Chris Mackay and Gareth Thomas with superb saves.

It was 20 minutes before Winsford launched their first serious attacking raid but it proved vital as the hosts' keeper Tom Read was shown a red card.

A long ball was being chased by Les Miranda when the Trafford custodian came out of his area to meet the ball but an unpredictable bounce saw it strike his left hand.

Lee Southwood took the keeper's jersey but it made little difference to the hosts as they continued to pound their guest's goal.

As half time approached Chris Adams squared up to Phil Mason and his foolish retaliation earned both players an early bath.

Joe Gibliru's men hit the front six minutes after the restart.

Thompson's shot was the first threat stand-in custodian Southwood had faced and, although he did well to save at the foot of the post, Miranda followed up to score from the rebound.

Blues doubled their tally on the hour.

Thompson won his battle with Simon Woodford on the edge of the area only for the defender to pull him back for a penalty.

The former Warrington Town front runner took the ball himself and confidently rolled it into the corner.

Midfield schemer John Bluck then reacted to being fouled by stupidly charging into his opponent to leave Blues with nine men for the closing stages.

Trafford tried to find a way back into the game with long distance efforts but to no avail.

Any doubt about the result disappeared seven minutes from time when Thompson broke clear down the right and his pass inside was collected by substitute Ross Kennedy who neatly lobbed the ball over Southwood.

Michael Owen's spectacular goalline clearance made sure Winsford returned home with a clean sheet.

Star Man: Michael Langley
BLUES: Langley (GK), Sheppard, Duckworth, Owens, Calland, Bluck, Mason, Ennion, Connell (Madin 72), Miranda (Kennedy 78), Thompson
Sub not used: Sayer
Attendance: 122