WINSFORD United took their first step on the road to Wembley on Saturday after a dominant display led to a 1-0 victory over Parkgate in the FA Vase second preliminary round.
The Blues, who welcomed Stuart Wellstead back from a trial at Mossley and gave former Stalybridge Celtic keeper Matthew Wrigley a chance to impress, showed they were a class above their Rotherham-based opponents despite scoring just once at the Barton Stadium.
Craig Hoyland, who had his best match so far in a Blues shirt, put the hosts ahead shortly after the break when the tall striker met a cross from Wellstead and sent his left-foot strike into the corner of the net.
Winsford had several chances to increase their lead with Hancock and Wellstead missing opportunities and they were nearly made to pay dear when Wrigley’s punched clearance struck Parkgate’s Derek Dooley and the ball rebounded onto the post.
Club secretary Bob Astles said: “We have to go back to September 23, 2006, for the last victory in the FA Vase when we defeated Holker OB 3-1 so another victory was long overdue. However, we made up for it in style with the narrowness of the victory not reflecting their dominance of the match.”
The Blues will now face Vodkat First Division strugglers Oldham Town in the next round on Saturday, October 3.
Also making his first appearance on Saturday was Nathan Southern who has signed from Nantwich Town. He will be in the squad for the journey to Padiham on Saturday (3pm).
