West Auckland Town 2 Winsford United 1 FA Cup Extra Prelimary Round Saturday, August 24

WINSFORD'S FA Cup dream was left in tatters on Saturday when they fell at the first hurdle.

Playing away against a strong West Auckland side was never going to be easy and so it proved as the Blues came away rueing missed chances.

However, Winsford can take a lot from this defeat and depite being up against it for much of the match never gave up and refused to accept defeat without a fight.

West Auckland, who were the first winners of the World Cup, beating Juventus in 1911, set out to please the 102 fans who turned out to watch.

And they were rewarded in the third minute when Michael Pitt was put through on the right and scored with a low drive which nestled into the far corner of the Blues' goal.

But Auckland didn't have it all their own way and but for some very dubious refereeing decision Winsford could and should have been at least on terms with the home side before half time.

On 17 minutes Les Miranda, who was a nuisance for the Auckland defence all game, was flattened as he burst into the box but the referee simply waved away any protests.

After 37 minutes Pat Shaughnessy was blatantly pushed in the back as he lined up a shot in the area. Again the referee sided with the home team and to the disbelief of the Blues players booked Miranda for protesting.

The final insult came on 43 minutes when West Auckland's goalkeeper, Simon Hall, caught the ball well outside the area under pressure from Miranda but again nothing was given and Winsford could be forgiven for going in at half time with something of a persecution complex.

But after the break the injustice seemed to spur on the visitors and they got their reward after 52 minutes when a lovely move released Shaughnessy who took the ball down the right flank, cut inside and drilled a low, thunderous shot past the outstretched hand of the Auckland keeper.

Winsford dominated for much of the second half but never really looked like adding to their tally and it came as no surprise when, with just five minutes to go, West Auckland scored what proved to be the winning goal.

Danger man Roy Allen was given the freedom of the pitch by the Winsford defence and he gratefully accepted the space and beat Mat Conkie from 12 yards with a low shot.

In the reamining five minutes the Blues went on all out attack and peppered the home goal but they simply couldn't find a way through and were left dismayed at the final whistle.

Winsford: Conkie, Anderson, Murray (Denham 30), Davis, Staley, Cavanagh (T Shaughnessy), Stott, P Shaughnessy, Miranda (Lamb 72), Telfer, Williams. Subs not used: Newbrook. Attendance: 102. Star man: Steve Davis

lWINSFORD'S next game is at home against Salford City tonight, Wednesday.

Several new signings may be on show at the game including Kelechi Okorie.

Okorie is a Nigerian born striker who has been playing in Sweden and the far east.

He also played for Carlisle United and Torquay and everyone invloved with the running of the club believe he is going to be a major signing and a valuable asset for the Blues.

On Saturday, August 31, Winsford take on Alsager at Barton Stadium and all at the club are asking everyone in Winsford to get down to the match, which kicks off at 3pm and support the team.