WINSFORD had Nathan Cotterell to thank after he inspired them to overturn a half-time deficit against New Mills on Saturday.

The striker hit a second-half hat-trick at Barton Stadium, where Blues’ goalkeeper Michael Langley also saved a penalty with the score at 2-1 as Lee Duckworth’s side collected maximum points.

They started poorly, however, and the Millers took the lead early on when Louis Johnson misjudged a header and Haydn Foulds punished him by finishing clinically.

Cotterell tested visiting custodian Oliver Martin before Brandon Moores had a shot cleared off the line, but Winsford ended the first half in arrears.

However It took Winsford just 20 seconds of the second half to equalise when Cotterell lashed home after a long ball into the Millers’ box.

And he was at it again five minutes later when Ryan Hughes’ long throw was cleared to the edge of the area and the in-form striker unleashed a superb volley into the corner.

Langley made two impressive saves as the visitors searched for an equaliser, but his crowning glory came in the 77th minute when former Blue Sam Marshall was tripped in the box.

Referee David Croft pointed to the spot, but Langley produced an fine stop to deny Ryan Hopper.

Winsford made the most of that reprieve when substitute Myles Wady crossed for Cotterell to complete his treble.

They host Darwen on Saturday.

Winsford | Langley (GK), Hughes, Duckworth, Kerr, Parr, Louis Johnson, Taylor, Brazel (Collins 82), Cotterell, Egan (Wady 65), Moores (Riley 46) Sub not used Jordan Johnson Goals Cotterell 46, 50, 85 Booked Brazel

New Mills | Martin (GK), Doyle, Watson, Jones, Johnson, Hopper, Marshall, Wareing, Foulds, Swallow (Douglas-Pringle 46), Owolabi (Anane 90) Subs not used O'Regan, Stringer-Moth Goal Foulds 11 Booked Foulds, Anane

Referee David Croft

Attendance 159