Winsford United 1 Ramsbottom United 3

North West Counties One

Saturday, February 15

WITH Ray Beer and Rob Morris missing, the Winsford defence looked a mere shadow of the back four that had performed so well in the previous three games.

It didn't help that Glen Attuquayefio was carrying an injury, but if they had taken some of the numerous chances that fell their way they might well have had a comfortable victory.

The Blues should have taken the lead as early as the third minute when Dave Heywood's shot from 20 yards was deflected against the angle. The ball fell invitingly to Les Miranda, who somehow managed to put it over the bar from five yards.

Miranda had a much more difficult chance on 12 minutes when he was put through by Mark Dewar but his shot on the turn was well saved by Simon Marsh in the visitors' goal.

Winsford were made to pay for their early miss in the 15th minute when danger man Doni Clarke and Andy Robertson went for the ball out on the right of the penalty area. Robertson hesitated and gave Clarke the chance to poke the ball home off the far post.

The home side were still having most of the play and they drew level in the 40th minute when Vinny Cavanagh's delightful through ball found Paul Lamb on the edge of the penalty area. Lamb kept his head and after drawing Marsh out of his goal, planted the ball hard and low into the bottom left corner.

Winsford came out looking for victory in the second half but were stunned by a penalty decision given against them in the 50th minute.

Robertson had collected a high ball and with all the players making their way back up the field for the clearance, the referee suddenly pointed to the spot. When questioned afterwards he said that Robertson had kicked one of the Ramsbottom forwards.

It was perhaps significant that none of the visitors appealed for a penalty but Clarke stepped up to put the ball away for his second goal.

This was obviously not going to be the Blues' day and Heywood's 55th minute free kick was then headed against the bar by Cavanagh. Then just two minutes later Chris Clarke found himself completely unmarked in the area and had the simple task of putting the ball home.

Winsford continued to press forward in search of goals but Marsh was never seriously troubled.

Winsford: Robertson, Dewar, Duckworth, Wilson, Attuquayefio, Walker, Kelly (Shaughnessy 45), Cavanagh (Thomas 69), Miranda, Lamb, Heywood. Not used: Staley. Attendance: 163. Star man: Gus Wilson.