BLUES turned in one of their best performances of the season to see off Atherton.

John Couch made a scoring return and a brace from Phil Mason secured Joe Gibiliru's men a league double over their opponents.

It was also their first league win for a month.

The visitors opened the scoring on 22 minutes when hesitancy in the Colliers' defence, and some neat footwork in the box by Mason, saw him drill the ball home from close range.

Les Miranda was looking to end his goal drought and he nearly did so in style with an overhead kick that just cleared the bar.

Blues continued to press and Miranda and Lee Madin both had chances to double the lead but they saw their efforts go wide of the target.

Winsford laid siege to the home goal during the second half, launching attack after attack, but although they played neat one touch football it was route one that gave them their second goal.

Dave Barnes sent a high ball from his own half towards the opposing penalty area and Mason beat keeper David Bates to the bouncing ball with a header.

With the Colliers' custodian stranded the Blues' forward nipped around him to gleefully tap the ball into the empty net.

The visitors made it three on 68 minutes when Dean Ennion's inswinging corner was headed powerfully home by the unmarked Couch.

Star Man: John Couch
Blues: Langley (GK), Barnes, Duckworth, Couch, Callaghan, Bluck, Madin (Connell 68), Ennion, Mason, Miranda, Kennedy
Subs not used: Calland, Dears, Sheppard
Attendance: 66