UNITED were in confident mood on Wednesday and ran out comfortable winners at Barton Stadium.

Although they dominated from early on they had to wait until the 38th minute for their first goal when Ian Stanton's left-wing cross was controlled and converted neatly by Chris Melia.

Rob Hopley scored his first goal for Winsford as half-time loomed. Mark Quinn's pass released the ex-Middlewich striker and he swiftly rounded goalkeeper Richard Johnson before slipping the ball into the empty net.

Attacks from the visitors were few and far between but still United did not score again until the 86th minute, but it was worth the delay.

Stuart Wellstead was the scorer, initially exchanging passes with Melia before leaving defenders trailing along the right flank, cutting across the face of the box and unleashing a 25-yard left-foot shot that left Johnson clutching at thin air. WINSFORD: Conkie; Tier, Booth, Marsh, Stanton (Hanley 60); Wellstead, Hope, Quinn, Hurley (Grocott 87); Hopley, Melia (Mc-Cormack 80).

Att: 89. Star Man: Mark Quinn, back to his best.

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