WINSFORD shut out promotion chasers Newcastle to earn a worthy point.

The flat pitch and open spaces of the Lyme Valley Stadium has always lent itself to attacking football and exciting games and this was no exception.

The only thing lacking was a goal.

But swirling wind made things difficult in a match that was dominated by two well-organised defences.

The home side had the better of the opening period but Blues grew in strength and can consider themselves unlucky not to sneak a win.

They kicked off in promising fashion as with Phil Mason's first minute shot from the left edge of the area was saved by John Ritchie.

Tthe hosts took control thereafter.

Danger man Richard Minor had caused Blues problem in the reverse fixture but this time manager Joe Gibiliru had a plan in place to stifle his creativity.

However, when Minor was fouled on 34 minutes it almost led to the first goal as Martin Ridley's 35-yard effort dropped just wide of Michael Langley's left hand post.

Minor himself went close on 42 minutes when his drive forced Blues custodian to dive full stretch to tip over the bar.

The second period saw Winsford playing against the wind but, as so often happens, their game improved.

Newcastle posed the first threat when Nick Wellecomme should have done better within a minute of the restart.

It proved to be the last serious threat on Langley's goal.

Blues took control and a neat movement involving John Bluck and Dean Ennion led to the best chance of the match when Ross Kennedy found himself with only Ritchie to beat but he put his shot over the bar.

From then on it was all Winsford.

Late efforts by Bluck and sub Darren Connell might have clinched it before deep into injury time Danny Webster's blast struck a defender's foot and flashed inches wide of the post.

Star Man: Danny Webster
Blues: Langley (GK), Calland, Duckworth, Sheppard, Webster, Bluck, Couch (Connell 55), Ennion, Mason (Thompson 71), Madin, Kennedy
Subs not used: Miranda, Dears
Attendance: 78