WINSFORD United suffered a cruel defeat following a defensive howler.

Heading for a precious derby draw, disaster struck when a nightmare mix-up between John Riley and stand-in keeper Chris Rowley saw both miss the ball, allowing Paul Crewe to walk the ball into an empty net.

It was a moment to forget.

The day started badly when illness and work commitments deprived the hosts of goalkeepers Alex James and Jamie Mottershead, while Lee Hughes was unavailable.

That meant United were forced to call on former custodian Rowley, who had been at a wedding and arrived with minutes to spare.

The hosts got off to a good start, taking the lead after five minutes when John Couch converted a good cross from Ross Kennedy.

Action Play was mostly confined to midfield, but Rowley was called into action when he turned Crewe’s effort around the post.

Otherwise the visitors’ efforts were limited to a close range shot that Rob Whyte scooped over the bar and an overhead kick by Barry Massay that was easily saved.

But, just when the hosts looked to be heading for the break with the lead, Gary Brown’s speculative 30-yard effort found the top left corner.

Further efforts by Darren Connell and Couch proved fruitless and the teams went in level.

Winsford looked more likely to assume the advantage once more in the second period and were unlucky when a fine header by Alex Bishop struck a defender on the line before being cleared to safety.

Next came their backline blunder and another home defeat.

Winsford Rowley (GK), Calland, Riley, Barnes, Callaghan, Couch, Owens, Showers, Connell (Bishop 64), Mason (McGann 82), Kennedy (McDonnell 82)
Subs not used Burgess, Eves
Att 162