WINSFORD United bounced back from last Tuesday’s shock cup exit to claim a creditable draw at Ashton Athletic on Saturday.
Goals from Phil Mason and Ross Kennedy earned the point that sees the ninth-placed Blues just three victories off the play-off spots in the Vodkat Premier.
Leading 2-1, the Blues conceded on 65 minutes but boss Joe Gibiliru was happy with the result and the performance. He was, however, disappointed with the referee’s decision to send off keeper Jamie Mottershead.
He said: “The referee was bad for both sides. He has sent off our keeper, changed his mind about the decision, but still sent him off, that’s how bad he was.
“But it was a lot better, the team spirit and passion was back. You would not have thought we were the same team from the one that played midweek.
“The next few games will show us exactly where we are and hopefully we’ll put in a run of results before Christmas so we can get back in the mix. I don’t see why we can’t.”
Last Tuesday, the Blues crashed out of the league’s Challenge Cup after throwing away a 2-1 lead against Irlam at the Barton Stadium.
In front of just 52 supporters, goals from Darren Connell and Mischa Showers were not enough as United capitulated and went down 4-2.
On Saturday, Winsford host Colne in the league (3pm).
Barnton almost took a surprise point from their Cheshire League Division One clash at Trafford Reserves on Saturday.
The Townfield Lane outfit lost 2-1 to their fifth placed hosts in a game marred by Mark Came breaking his leg in the first 15 minutes.
Trailing 2-0, Paul Allen gave Barnton hope from the penalty spot and they hit the bar late on.
Manager Mick Duckett said: “It was a lot better this week. There’s been a large turnaround of players in the squad and we are a lot more confident going into Saturday’s game.”
On Saturday, Barnton host Rylands/Crosfields (2.15pm).
Lostock Gralam missed their chance to take maximum points on Saturday after another afternoon of profligacy in front of goal.
The Grey Lambs missed early opportunities at Congleton Town Reserves and were made to pay when Aston scored for the hosts from the edge of the area.
After the break Lostock continued to create chances and this time Butters skipped through to score. The visitors then went ahead after Birdsey calmly fired home a penalty after the referee spotted a handball in the area.
But nerves set in and Congleton capitalised when Bardsley scored a 25-yard screamer with five minutes to go to level the scores at 2-2.
Lostock travel to Whitchurch Alport on Saturday (2.15pm).
