THE excellent start to the season made by Winnington Park men's 1sts came crashing down on Saturday with a 5-2 defeat away at South Cheshire.

The home side took an early lead and made life difficult for Park who responded well with a goal from Dennis Toping to level the scores.

However within a few minutes South Cheshire re-established the lead and used the goal as a springboard to launch a number of attacks.

Danny Moores and John Stackhouse in the Park attack were well marshalled by the South Cheshire defence and the constant pressure put on the Park backline soon told as the home side forged a 3-1 half time lead.

After the break Park went looking for goals and pushed Peter Evans forward to help with the goal hunt.

But with gaps appearing at the back, defending became tricky and Park conceded twice before Andrew Birdsey added a consolation strike at the death.