BLUES were red-faced after gifting their guests the points.

Dave Barnes’ first half opener seemed set to end a three-month winless streak, only for Ashton to cash in on two defensive blunders sneak victory.

Poor Winsford had only themselves to blame.

In truth they rarely tested visiting custodian Joe Brobbin, who enjoyed a trouble-free afternoon against Blues’ shot-shy front line.

The match had begun in promising fashion when John Couch’s shot was blocked, but there was a warning at the other end when slack left Mike Burke free to shoot against the bar from close range.

Winsford took the lead when Dean Ennion’s free kick from the left found Barnes, and he drove the ball high into the net.

Ross Kennedy and Couch saw efforts go wide, but the home team could not extend their advantage.

On 70 minutes Couch found himself with only Brobbin to beat but the keeper anticipated the danger.

Joe Fielding waltzed through to level soon afterwards before things went from bad to worse when another long ball into the box was spilled by Jamie Mottershead for a disbelieving Fielding to notch a second goal in as many minutes.

Darren Connell and Jacob Baptista were introduced in place of the ineffective Kennedy and Ennion but they made little difference to the eventual outcome.

Ashton almost added to their tally when Michael Dougles shot against the bar.


Blues Mottershead (GK), Calland, Barnes, Callaghan, Riley, Sayer, Couch, Owens, Ennion (Connell 75), Kennedy (Baptista 75), Bishop (McGann 87)
Subs not used Neill, Hilton
Att 72