Oxton 3 Winnington Park 0

PARK expected a tough return to competitive action after the Christmas break and that's exactly what they got at Oxton on Saturday.

They had the game plan to keep everything tight, but this was easier said than done as league leaders Oxton immediately robbed them of possession and fired in their first shot within seconds of the start.

But Winnington then defended admirably, soaking up the early onslaught and could easily have taken the lead from a number of good breaks.

Peter Evans was the biggest threat and from one of his runs was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty.

After this appeal was turned down, Winnington were stunned to concede a penalty stroke themselves after Mark Whalley's challenge gave the home side the chance to break the deadlock.

However, their striker stood over the ball for an age and when he finally went for goal Nick Moores was able to dive to his right and make a good save.

The first goal came just before half-time from a goalmouth scramble, but it didn't dent Park's belief as they made a good start to the second period.

But the turning point came when keeper Moores went to close the ball down on the right hand side of his goal. He was convinced the striker he was challenging had taken the ball over the by-line but the umpire ruled otherwise and the ball was pulled back for an easy tap-in.

Park continued with determination but found the going very difficult in the face of some professional spoiling tactics and couldn't prevent a late third to confirm the three points.

WINNINGTON Park 2nds lost 3-2 against Urmston (R Jagielka 2); 3rds won 5-3 against Deeside Ramblers (R Whittle 2, B Singleton, J Osbourne); 4ths lost 3-2 to Triton (D Fulwell 2).

WINNINGTON Park Ladies 2nds played a previously postponed league game at Warrington on Saturday, forcing a 0-0 draw.

Close marking and some outstanding play from Catherine Earnshaw in goal and Julia Harries as sweeper ensured the Warrington threat was contained.

At the other end, Winnington's forwards produced some excellent passing moves but failed to apply pressure.

There was an unfortunate ending to the game when a Warrington defender had her teeth knocked out by a raised ball from a short corner strike in the closing seconds of the game.

It was particularly cruel as she had forgotten her gum shield on the day and was rushed to Warrington Hospital in an ambulance.

Winnington 3rds played Bowdon 4ths away in a match which the visitors dominated from start to finish.

However, they failed to convert any of the clear chances they created while Bowdon managed to score twice on the break.

Sam Lewis was nominated Winnington's player of the match, but they were handicapped by having one player injured by a raised ball during the warm up and not having an umpire.

Juniors Lisa Edwards, Jenna Mercer and Jenny Lewis valiantly volunteered to take turns to umpire, having learnt the required skills on school courses.

Park 1sts, without a game at the weekend, are away to Didsbury this Saturday. The 2nds are still in the process of arranging a home game at Sir John Deane's for 12.45pm, but the 3rds will play Sale there at 3.45pm.