STEVE Shaughnessy has signed centre half Adrian Riley from St Helens Town.
The Winsford United boss has acted quickly to replace suspended skipper David Lowe ahead of this Saturday's crunch relegation battle at home to Eastwood Town.
.Martin Gwynett, a former team mate of assistant manager Kevin Langley, has also joined from the coaching staff at Wigan, while under-18s star Jon Edwards made a sensational step up to the first team on Saturday.
The youngster was instrumental in Bluers' 3-2 win at Farsley Celtic, arguably their best of the season given the gap between them and their opponents and the pressure they were under to produce.
Last week, Shaughnessy warned that his side would have to get at least one win from their next two games, or a second successive relegation would become a real possibility.
"We sat down and had a chat before the game. I didn't want to put them under any more pressure then they were already feeling, and I didn't have to lay anything on the line as they knew how important the game was.
"We played very, very well in the first half and should have been more than 2-0 up.
"The good thing about Saturday was that before and after the game there was a great team spirit and I just hope it points us in the right direction.
"There's still loads of work to do. We've done it before when we beat Ashton and let things slip. Another couple of losses and we're back to square one."
On other occasions this season, Shaughnessy has had no option but to use inexperienced players from the under-18s, but Edwards was one he wanted in the team.
"He came in and was superb," said Shaughnessy. "I just thought I'd give him his chance and he surprised me at how well he played."
Following the Eastwood game at Barton Stadium on Saturday (3pm), Winsford's match at Trafford has been switched to Friday, March 23 (7.30pm), to avoid clashing with England's World Cup qualifier with Finland on Saturday, March 24.
WINSFORD United's sportsman's dinner is on Friday, March 30 at the Civic Hall.
Guest speaker will be former world champion boxer Alan Minter, plus comedian Max Pressure. For details contact the club on 593021.
FORMER Winsford United forward Joey Roberts has joined Middlewich Town and made his debut in the 2-1 win at Whitchurch Alport on Saturday.
Kevin Lampkin had also joined from Droylsden as manager Dave Twite strengthens his side for a double header with Barnton.
First up is Saturday's Mid Cheshire District Cup semi-final at Townfield Lane, a repeat of last year's final.
That match, which Town lost 3-1, was played at the Drill Field, which will also be the venue for the teams' Mid Cheshire Senior Cup quarter-final a week on Thursday.
The winners will play holders Witton Albion in the semis.
Twite said: "It will be nice to play Witton and we have every chance in the world of beating Barnton, although they are the benchmark side for the Mid Cheshire League."
Simon Johnson is doubtful for Saturday after injuring his knee at Whitchurch.
Before the Barnton games, Town have a league match at Trafford Reserves tonight (Wednesday).
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