UNITED turned in a mean performance on Saturday.

One time promotion hopefuls Eccleshall did not once threaten the Blues' goal in 90 minutes.

Winsford, on the other hand, had many chances and but for a fine goalkeeping display by Steve Intihar and some unkind collisions with the woodwork they may well have notched up more than the solitary goal.

Winsford made their usual all-action start, bombarding the hosts' goal, and Rob Hopley came close to giving them a second minute lead with a header from Dave Hanlon's free kick.

Andy Watson has improved United's aerial threat and the 6ft 4ins midfielder was next to power in a header, but he was just off target.

Dave Hanlon rediscovered his early season form and came near to ending his goal drought on 15 minutes when Intihar tipped his shot around the upright. Further first half efforts from Hanlon and Hopley were well with the latter coming closest with a 33rd minute effort that smacked against the post.

It was much the same story in the second period with Eccleshall packing the defence and Intihar saving anything that got through. The small band of travelling supporters feared the worst when Ryan Stewart made a hash of a back pass late in the match. The ball fell to Mark Nickin but just when he looked certain to score he was foiled by a superb Danny Jarrett tackle. That enabled Liam Coyne to clear the ball off the line.

Winsford piled on attack after attack and it paid off on 82 minutes when Neil Marsh's high ball into the box was skilfully controlled by Scott Weir. He turned the ball through to Gerrard McAllister who shot through a defenders legs and into the far right

corner of the net. Weir himself had a great chance to sew the game up when McAllister returned the compliment with a through ball but there was a moment's hesitation and the chance was lost.

WINSFORD: Mottershead; Jarrett (Weir 71), Coyne, Marsh, Stewart; Hanlon Topping 86), Quinn, Watson, Duckworth; Hopley (Lewis 83), McAllister.

Att: 72 Star Man: Liam Coyne, snuffed out every threat

Next Best: Rob Hopley Team Rating: 4 Match Rating: 3