WINSFORD United bowed out of the FA Cup in midweek, writes Eithan Boulter-Ashcroft.

Tuesday night saw Winsford face Widnes for the second time in three days following the 1-1 draw in the extra preliminary round tie at the Barton Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

There was nothing to separate the teams in the first 90 minutes and it remained the same in the opening half of the replay.

The hosts came the closest to scoring with Stephen Rigby’s corner coming back off the crossbar.

Widnes striker Luke Sephton forced Ryan Livesey into a finger tip save but that was as good as it got for either side after a very evenly matched 45 minutes.

Just 10 minutes into the second half the deadlock was broken by James McCulloch of Widnes.

The centre back rose highest to get on the end of Sephton’s free-kick to power his header past Livesey in the Blues goal.

One quickly became two as Widnes took full control.

James Salkeld found Jordan Wynne out wide before making a darting run into the box to get on the cross to double the lead.

As Winsford looked for an instant response the ball fell to Dylan Chalice on the edge of the box but his effort went wide.

Winsford had a huge opportunity to pull a goal back with 20 minutes remaining through Sam Madeley.

A free-kick into the box was knocked back by Daniel Thomas to the striker but from five yards out he dragged his effort wide.

Lee Duckworth’s side continued to push for a goal that would bring them back into the game with Chalice going close but they were left to rue their missed opportunity.

Winsford will return to North West Counties League action against Longridge Town at the Barton Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

They then host Northwich Victoria on Monday night.