WINSFORD United manager Joe Gibiliru was pleased with his team’s efforts despite them going down 2-1 at home to promotion-chasing New Mills.
The Blues boss has been angry in recent weeks after performances lacked desire and players looked unfit but Saturday’s game at the Barton Stadium gave him cause for optimism.
A 23rd-minute penalty from Darren Connell gave United hope after they had gone 2-0 down in the first 20 minutes but the equaliser, wanted by the majority of the crowd of 110, proved elusive.
Gibiliru said: “I don’t mind getting beat when we are having a go and that was the case on Saturday. New Mills were hanging on at the end and were being forced to waste time by the corner flag. The performance was a lot better.”
This Saturday, the Blues host Ramsbottom United (3pm) for a league game that presents Winsford with a good chance of getting a much-needed three points.
“If we play like we did on Saturday then the Ramsbottom game should be a formality”, said Gibiliru.
“But you never know in this league so it’s a must-win game for us as we don’t want to get dragged into a dogfight with the teams below us.”
Barnton returned to the bottom of Cheshire League Division One on Saturday after going down narrowly to sixth-placed Curzon Ashton Reserves.
Jay Crellin scored Barnton’s only goal of the game at the Tameside Stadium but manager Mick Duckett was happy with his side’s display in the 2-1 defeat.
“We’re not rolling over like we used to and defensively we are doing OK,” he said.
“We are struggling a little bit up front though so I am trying to use my contacts to bring in someone but it’s tough getting anyone at this time of year due to injuries and suspensions.”
This Saturday, Barnton host Stalybridge Celtic Reserves (2.15pm) at their Townfield Lane ground.
Lostock Gralam moved up to fourth in Cheshire League Division Two after a cracking 3-2 victory over Tarporley Victoria.
Having led 2-0 at half-time through Nadgy Khirat and Gavin Tomlinson, Vics hit back twice. But with five minutes to go Adam Bayley struck the winner to claim all three points for the jubilant Grey Lambs.
This Saturday, Lostock travel to league leaders Golborne Sports (2.15pm).
