LEE Duckworth knows Winsford United can improve but has taken heart from their fighting spirit.

His side came from behind to beat Vauxhall Motors in an FA Cup qualifier last weekend - a third successive game in which they have conceded first - after a battling performance in the second-half.

"It would be nice to take the lead!" he quipped.

"While it wasn't a display where we showed our guile or skill, it was one that was full of grit and determination.

"I'm encouraged to see that, it's positive.

"We'll get better because the squad has more quality than previously but we've won two of the three games and it's more important to get on a roll if we can."

Blues' reward is a trip to Ramsbottom United, and a meeting with former manager Chris Willcock, later this month.

Before that they play a first home game of a new North West Counties League season when Squires Gate arrive at Barton Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Hanley Town make the same journey on Monday.

Duckworth said: "This time last season we were out of the FA Cup and I was wondering where our first points were coming from.

"It takes pressure off to have that first win and because August is so busy it is an opportunity to gain momentum.

"That's what we'll try to do."

Goals from Sam Madeley and Dave Short, who found the net directly from a corner, separated Winsford from their lower-ranked hosts last weekend.

They had fallen behind when Glenn Rule scored shortly after the interval.

Duckworth added: "It was a tough draw and we prepared carefully.

"Every report we got back kept telling us how good they were though!

"I felt we were better than them in difficult conditions before half-time and created a couple of chances without breaking through."