Farsley Celtic 2

Winsford United 3

UniBond Division One

Saturday, March 10

SUCH an important result and gained in a style with suggests United shouldn't be re-newing acquaintances with the North West Counties league just yet.

The first half of the performance was probably the best Blues have played all season and two players stood out in a hard working team display.

Midfielders David Mayes and Mike Scully were outstanding, particularly in that first 45 minutes which surprised many who had made the trip to Pudsey with some trepidation after last weeks tepid performance against Radcliffe.

Farsley provided the first opportunity, however, and Winsford were indebted to goalkeeper Dave Pierce on 13 minutes.

Ian Blackstone met a corner and his header looked destined for glory until a flying Pierce diverted the ball to safety.

At the other end, Blues' first real effort saw Scully's cross find Steve Shaughnessy and the player-manager elected for a first time shot which narrowly went over the bar.

But the lead came on 21 minutes. Mike Scully was again the provider and for the second time in a week, a David Mayes header was good enough to find the net.

At this stage United were playing some delightful stuff and the Farsley goal led a charmed life on 31 minutes. A scramble saw no less than four attempts on goal which were either blocked or saved by Liam Sutcliffe.

However, the fully deserved second goal was not long in coming. Scully, who else?, fired in a free-kick which Sutcliffe could only parry away and captain David Lowe headed into an empty net.

The home side made a better fist of it in the second half and reduced the arrears on 48 minutes.

Lowe unfortunately lost his footing, which allowed Richard Hepworth to cross for Ian Blackstone and the leading scorer made no mistake from close range.

But Winsford were not finished yet and the two goal lead was restored on 61 minutes.

Scully was rewarded for his excellent display with a goal after a back pass was seized upon by the midfielder. Sutcliffe spilled the ball and Scully recovered to side foot into an empty net.

Three minutes later United made it hard for themselves by conceding a second goal, Steve Learoyd was unmarked and easily headed into the top corner.

Both sides had further opportunities to score but United held on for a well deserved victory and a few more of these performances would not go a miss.

Winsford: Pierce, Morley, Pollitt, Burns, Lowe, Mayes, Scully, Gwynett, Worthington, Shaughnessy, Edwards (Tulloch 79). Subs not used: Hennessy, Langley. Man of the Match David Mayes. Attendance: 64.