WINSFORD were floored by two Squires sucker punches.

They should have been out of sight of their opponents by the break, instead a series of missed chances and a fine display by goalkeeper Daniel Woodhead meant they reached the interval without reward.

The hosts scored twice in an eight-minute spell to settle the contest.

Blues were caught cold five minutes after the restart when a long punt forward caught the back four napping as Mick Howarth nipped in to score.

The lead was doubled soon afterwards when Paul Ryan's speculative shot from distance was cruelly deflected past Winsford keeper Mike Langley.

The visitors' heads clearly dropped after that.

Earlier Joe Gibiliru's men had created early pressure with Darren Connell having the best of the chances.

After heading Dean Ennion's corner inches over the bar, he looked certain to score with a powerful header from Lee Madin's cross but Woodhead produced a remarkable point blank save.

It was 24 minutes before Langley was called into action, a shot on the turn by Howarth forcing him to make a full length save.

Further Winsford efforts by John Couch and Connell looked likely to produce a goals but Woodhead was not to be denied as he produced two more classy saves.

Langley was frequently called into action at 2-0 and it was only in the closing minutes that Winsford began to get on top again Ennion was unlucky with a couple of long range efforts and John Bluck should have given the small band on travelling supporters some hope but his powerful shot was tipped over the bar by Woodhead seven minutes from time.


Star Man: Darren Connell - Created many openings
Blues: Langley (GK), Barnes, Duckworth, Couch, Ridler, Bluck, Madin (Dears 75), Ennion, Mason, Connell (Miranda 67), Kennedy
Sub not used: Calland
Attendance: 65