WINSFORD United won for the third time in four matches to move into the top six.

Blues, playing under their third manager of the season as Tony Ledwards picked the team for the first time since replacing Mike Alcock, were indebted to recalled keeper Karl Parker.

The former Crewe FC keeper pawed out sub Dean Williams’ header from the top corner in stoppage time to prevent the struggling hosts rescuing a point.

It made up for an earlier misdemeanour after he had been involved in a mix up that allowed Dean Clarke to halve Alsager’s arrears 10 minutes from time.

Winsford had been value for their 2-0 lead.

They made most of the early running, and top scorer Stuart Wellstead came within inches of giving them a first-minute lead when his shot flashed wide of the post.

They continued to press, with Adam Bayley and Wellstead again looking to opening the scoring, the latter going closest when his header from Steve Warburton’s cross was blocked on the line.

At the other end Alsager skipper Lee Jones shot feebly at Parker when well-placed.

Blues broke the deadlock shortly before the break thanks in large part to their ex-custodian Mike Langley.

There seemed little danger when Lee Duckworth’s free kick was driven straight at him, but the wet ball squirmed from his grasp and Wellstead was on hand to stab the loose ball home.

The hosts almost struck back immediately but Clarke’s headed too high with the goal at his mercy.

Parker was in fine form at the start of the second period when he saved from former Middlewich Town man Andy Whitney before Scott Taylor’s effort was ruled out for offside.

Blues’ shot-stopper then made an astonishing double save to keep his team in front when he kept out efforts from Whitney and Clarke.

Wellstead’s shot was cleared off the line before Winsford doubled their lead on 66 minutes when Mike Brandon dispatched Josh Hancock’s centre past Langley.

Clarke’s goal spurred Neil Gill’s men, but Parker’s late intervention left them empty-handed.

Blues Parker (GK), McKay, Bayley, Duckworth, Ledwards, Hancock, Morton (Prince 46), Brandon, Warburton, Hoyland (McNichol 66), Wellstead
Sub not usedAdam Dawson
Attendance 76