AFTER a disappointing start to the league season Winsford United welcomed Widnes to the Barton Stadium, with both sides turning their attention to FA Cup action.

The game ended in a draw, meaning there will be a replay at Widnes on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Widnes, who play in the league above Blues, dominated the opening proceedings, taking the lead in the eighth minute following a mistake.

A long ball over the top of the defensive line caused confusion among defenders and goalkeeper allowing Luke Sephton to slot the ball into the empty net.

The goal aside, there was very little between the two sides until the 20th minute when it appeared Winsford would be awarded a penalty after Robbie Hatton had been hauled down inside the area, but to the Blues dismay the referee waved away the appeals.

The hosts came close to an equaliser on the half hour following a well worked free-kick. Kevin Exell found Jack Hart but the midfielder's glancing header went agonisingly wide.

As half time approached Blues went close again, this time Hatton forcing Owen Wheeler in the Widnes goal into a sharp save before Exell was brought down inside the box. With the linesman flagging for a penalty the referee decided to overrule his assistant.

Winsford continued the second half in the same fashion they finished the first, with Danny Boden and Hatton going close.

The best opportunity for Blues fell to Sam Marshall. Boden beat two Widnes defenders with excellent footwork before putting Marshall through on goal but the winger dragged his effort wide of the far post.

Lee Duckworth’s side were not disappointed for long as just moments later Hatton beat his man before he was taken down in the area. This time the referee did point to the spot, up stepped Danny Boden to dispatch the penalty to level the scores.

Widnes thought they had retaken the lead with 15 minutes remaining but the linesman’s flag came to Winsford’s rescue.

As the game entered the closing stages the hosts had a huge opportunity to win the game but the ball looped up into the air and came back off the post.