WINSFORD United blew a two-goal lead at home to Congleton on Monday, but stretched an unbeaten run to three games.

Ryan Mellor netted after eight seconds and Sam Howell doubled the lead on 10 minutes, but Scott Sephton and Jamie Petrie had pegged back the home team by the hour.

From the kick off, James Rothwell’s deflected shot looped over the top of the visiting back four and Mellor coolly drilled past goalkeeper Dominic Kurasik.

Howell doubled Blues’ lead after collecting the ball inside the opposition’s half and driving down the right flank.

His run ended with a left-footed shot after he had cut inside.

Congleton found a way back into the game through a set piece on 36 minutes, Sephton pouncing on a loose ball to reduce the deficit.

Winsford shot-stopper Dale Latham was called upon to stop the sides going in all-square, saving brilliantly at point-blank range.

Kyle Riley had the ball in the net after the interval, but his effort was ruled out for a foul earlier in the move.

The same player then shot wide on 55 minutes.

A minute later Congleton were level.

Petrie collected a long ball over the top, dishing out punishment to Winsford for a flimsy offside trap by lifting the ball over Latham.

Danny Hudson had a header well-saved late on from newcomer Robbie Hatton’s assist.

Blues | Latham (GK), Hibbert, Duckworth, Howell, Davies, Bayley, Mellor (Cook 61), Rothwell, Riley (Hatton), Egan, Hudson Subs not used Hull, Eiselt, Seol 

Referee Jon Kenny

Attendance 134