WINSFORD suffered defeat in their North West Counties Premier Division opener, falling 3-2 at home to Colne.

A slow start proved costly for Winsford, as the team took time to gel and never recovered after conceding early.

But there is still reason for optimism, with youngsters Des Wakefield, Jack McKay and goalkeeper Karl Parker all impressing, while several key players are yet to return to the side.

Most of the early pressure was applied by the visitors and a snap-shot on eight minutes by Neil Stansfield was saved at the second attempt by Parker.

Two minutes later, a 25-yard shot by Andrew Tinker was pushed around the post by the Winsford goalkeeper but a hesitant Blues defence failed to clear the resulting corner and Andrew Hargreaves scored with a close range header.

Colne continued to press and Parker was kept busy with shots from Tinker and Stansfield.

The hosts' first serious effort came on 27 minutes when Jack McKay’s free kick was headed inches over by Stuart Wellstead.

But Blues then put Colne under pressure and Lee Duckworth’s 25-yard shot was fumbled by goalkeeper Christopher Brennan before he gathered at the second attempt.

The best chance of the first half fell to Mike Brandon but his header from Ben Purdue’s cross went wide of the target when it looked easier to score.

Wellstead had a shot cleared off the line before driving the rebound into the arms of Brennan.

Then, on 36 minutes, Josh Hancock’s 35-yard drive took a deflection and went inches over the bar, while Wellstead shot wide on the stroke of half time.

The second period started badly for Blues, Tinker doubling the lead on 57 minutes when poor defending left him free in the area.

But the introduction of Dave Tasker and Declan Wakefield proved inspirational as Winsford launched attack after attack until the inevitable happened and they were caught on the break with Matthew Tindall scoring from the edge of the box.

To their credit Winsford did not give up and they were unlucky to see Shaun Came’s 85th minute header hit the post and rebound to safety.

One minute later the Blues pulled a goal back when Brennan palmed Mike Brandon’s effort only as far as Tasker and he blasted it high in the net from close range.

The hosts continued to press and Brandon’s back heel from Tasker’s cross was blocked on the line.

Right on the stroke of time the score was made more respectable when Wakefield scored from the edge of the area.

Winsford Parker (GK), McKay, Ledwards, Came, Sawtell, Duckworth, Purdue, Williams, Brandon, Wellstead, Hancock