BLUES were brought crashing back to earth by Squires Gate.

Still on a high after last week's humbling of Salford, Winsford struggled to craft clear openings against stubborn opposition.

Tom Benfield's second half strike was the game's only goal.

The first chance went to the visitors when Steve Hibbert broke through on the right but he was denied when Michael Langley bravely dived to save at his feet.

Winsford had a great chance to take the lead when Tony Sayer's cross from the right found John Couch unmarked in the middle, but his header was mistimed and easily cleared by the Squires Gate defence.

Blues suffered a blow on the half hour when a collision with Mark Calland saw Dave Barnes take no further part in the game.

Chances were few and far between at both ends.

On 34 minutes Nick Dyson 25-yard effort was tipped over by Langley and five minutes later Dean Ennion beat the wall from the edge of the box only to see the division's keeper of the month Ryan Yeomans save at full stretch.

Further efforts by Ennion and Darren Connell failed to test the visitors custodian.

The second half began with Ross Kennedy's chip drifting wide before Squires Gate took the lead.

A smart move down the left saw Seydou Bamba's cross find its way to the unmarked Benfield and he drilled the ball into the top of the net.

The main problem for Winsford was a lack of mobility up front and all too often when chances appeared they were quickly snuffed out.

Chris Sheppard's introduction raised expectations but his creativity foundered on the edge of the area.

There were late efforts by another sub, Lee Madin, with a free kick that was just wide and a shot by Sheppard that was saved on the line but Blues' supporters went home disappointed.

Star Man: Ross Kennedy
Blues: Langley (GK), Calland, Duckworth, Barnes (Owens 26), Ridler, Couch, Sayer (Sheppard 65), Ennion (Madin 81), Thompson, Connell, Kennedy
Sub not used: Dears

Attendance: 94