WINSFORD United will regard this as two points dropped, but their performance was first class and only an over-fussy official spoilt what could have been a fine match.

The referee's constant penalising of the smallest offences meant that neither team could play the quality of football expected.

Although Winsford dominated the early exchanges they surprisingly went behind on 26 minutes when Richard Sharpe set the ball up for Phil Holland to score from the narrowest of angles.

The lead didn't last long and after Iain Stanton sent a shot skimming just wide, the same player's 29th minute corner kick was headed home by Chris Melia.

Karl Walton had his best game between the sticks for Winsford and he was called into action on 31 minutes to make an outstanding save from Paul Atherton.

The Blues continued to press up to the break without really threatening Danny Vickers in the Ashton goal.

The second period was all Winsford with the home side making only rare ventures out of their own half, but as has so often happened this season they failed to turn possession into chances.

Efforts from captain Mark Quinn were saved in the opening 15 minutes and on 66 minutes Chris Melia sent Stanton's in swinging corner crashing against the bar.

Paul McCormack came on as substitute in the closing minutes and was promptly sent flying by a defender's tackle.

It looked to be clearly inside the box but the referee gave a free kick on the edge of the area.

The Blues continued to press without reward right up to the final whistle.

This Saturday sees main rivals Silsden visit Barton Stadium for a match which could decide who will join Cammell Laird in North West Counties Division One next season.

WINSFORD: Walton, Stanton (Williams 89), Wellstead, Chambers, Marsh, Hughes, Hurley (McCormack 78), Quinn, Melia (Moss 89), Hopley, Hanley. Attendance: 78. Star man: Lee Hughes.