AN unsatisfactory result against North East Counties opposition left Winsford United still waiting for their first cup win in three years.

A team tough tackling, no-nonsense Yorkshiremen came to Barton Stadium on Saturday determined the Blues would have to wait at least another three days to cast aside that frustrating record.

They succeeded, but at times their spoiling tactics left the majority present feeling it was the home side that deserved a passage into the First Qualifying Round, for playing most of the football.

Hence, a Winsford player was always likely to open the scoring following a positive start, and this was the case on 19 minutes.

Unfortunately, Neil Morley dived to spectacularly head the ball into his own net following a good run and cross by Nigel Croad.

Stunned Matthew Conkie was left beaten for the second time this season, neither goal coming from an opposition player. This, after four games, should be an encouraging statistic for Steve Shaughnessy.

And Conkie then showed all his potential to keep Winsford in the Cup, spreading himself to block Andrew Cygan's effort after the striker hared away form the Blues defence.

Winsford had a lifeline and Morley, switched to the middle of midfield, forgot about his earlier blunder and took control of the game from his new position.

It was he and Shuaughnessy who combined to set up the equalizer a minute into the second half, giving John Newman the space to send Carl Rendell down the inside left channel.

After outpacing Paul Roberts, the former Chester City man struck a fine shot inside the far post from an angle to trigger what should have been a Blues comeback.

However, they were unable to complete this as Selby used their physical presence to stifle Winsford's creativity and the main talking points of the remainder of the game came from two red cards, as was the case against Witton last Monday.

Andrew Oldfield was first to go, taking a swing at Newman while the ball was hovering above them in the middle of midfield.

Andy Burns followed him into the changing rooms in the 80th minute, more off the ball nonsense giving him his second yellow card.

Morley almost scored at the same end, but for the right team, two minutes from time, before two last gasp efforts by Shaughnessy were scrambled to safety.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.