Report by IAN KELLY

MANAGER Mark Came says he is well pleased with his new-look Winsford United side following a demanding run of three pre-season friendlies in five days.

The Blues boss has already seen enough from his side to predict that fans at Barton Stadium will enjoy their side's football in the 1999-2000 season.

And Came is hoping to bring further cheer to the camp by adding former Stalybridge right-back Mark Powell to his squad this week - although Runcorn are also vying for his signature.

United's tough workout began with a 2-2 draw against a Macclesfield Town XI on Tuesday last week. Macc had beaten United's UniBond League neighbours Leek Town 4-1 three days earlier, so this was a reasonable result for Came's fledgling side.

But the best was yet to come, as United turned in a superb display on Friday night to crush Nationwide League side Hull City 3-1 at Barton Stadium.

Hull had promised to send a strong side to Winsford as part of the deal which saw goalkeeper Andy Oakes move to Boothferry Park last season. The Humberside outfit kept their word and they could have done with Oakes - who has since moved to Derby County - in goal as the Blues notched a memorable 3-1 victory.

A stunning double strike from Paul Higginbotham and an equally eye-catching goal from Graham Brindley - his second in successive games - saw off the professional side, who fielded seven first-teamers including two players with Premiership experience in Ally Pickering and Steve Morgan.

Less than 24 hours later, United were in action again, this time against big-spending Altrincham.

Winsford made seven changes from the Hull game and, as expected, they were no match for an Alty side whose team sheet was like a Who's Who of northern non-league football.

England semi-professional international Brendon Burke scored twice in the Robins' 4-1 victory, with impressive newcomer Lee Atherton netting for Winsford.

Of the new players, left-back David Lloyd - signed from Chester City - is looking the part, along with Atherton and fellow midfielder David Mayes.

Up front, Higginbotham has linked well with Chris Wilcox and Alan Huckenhall, while giant defender Darren Quick has already forged a partnership with skipper Steve Hibbert.

A buoyant Came said: "Things have gone better than I expected. It's coming together bit by bit and I think that we will have a dedicated team playing attractive football, which the crowd will want to see.

"Against Macclesfield we were not out-footballed and we didn't tire in the last 20 minutes. We kept going and were unlucky not to win.

"Against Hull we were superb and that's how I'm hoping we play on the first day of the season. The commitment was 100%, some of our football was very good and we defended excellently.

"We made eight changes at Altrincham, and it was useful to give a few other players a run-out."

Came says that he and his assistant Paul Bennett are now close to having the right line-up in place - but that the door is still open for new signings.

The Blues are still hoping to sign a goalkeeper, and Came is keen for right-back Powell to join the ranks.

He said: "Powell played for us against Hull and he would be a great acquisition for us, but I know he is also talking to Runcorn so we'll have to wait and see what happens."

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