WINSFORD duly obeyed the form book but they were far from convincing at the Barton Stadium on Saturday.

Daisy Hill had won three of the four previous meetings so United were happy to banish thoughts of a jinx with two early goals.

But they failed to build on the early promise and were reliant at times on their well organised defence, the best in the North West Counties Second Division.

In the 10th minute Daisy Hill goalkeeper Gary Williams fumbled Iain Stanton's inswinging corner under pressure and Neil Marsh was handily placed to prod the loose ball over the line.

United increased their lead four minutes later when Danny Topping found Wellstead with a brilliant 40-yard cross-field pass. Wellstead galloped down the left flank, drew Williams from his line and crashed the ball unhesitatingly into the top right hand corner of the net.

Stanton's inswinging corners have been a feature for the past couple of seasons and he was unlucky on 24 minutes to see a vicious swerving ball hit the crossbar and bounce to safety.

Just when the supporters were looking forward to a runaway victory Winsford went off the boil and let the visitors get back into the match.

The second minute after the break saw a remarkable escape for the Blues when the second of Craig Clare's brilliant double saves hit Marsh and went into the net, however the assistant referee had spotted a Daisy Hill player off side.

Another let-off came on 65 minutes when Chris Naylor looked certain to score but a fine tackle by Jamie Williams, making his first full appearance of the season and almost as impressive as Topping, saved the day. Winsford took control again in the closing 15 minutes and looked likely to increase their lead - Ian Givin cooly set up Wellstead but shot just wide.

Chris Hutchinson, back after a long injury, also went close in injury time.

UNITED: Clare; Booth, Chambers, Marsh, Stanton; Topping, Hughes, Williams (Hutchinson 67), Wellstead; Hanley (Givin 75), Melia (Moss 78). Att: 91 Star Man: Danny Topping Next Best: Jamie Williams Team Rating: 2 Match Rating: 2