CARETAKER boss Mark Came was left cursing his luck after Winsford United somehow managed to come away empty-handed from Saturday's UniBond League clash at Gateshead.

The Blues suffered a huge blow less than 24 hours before their trip to the north-east when on-loan striker Chris Willcock was recalled by Mossley, having made just one substitute appearance for United.

And how Winsford could have done with Willcock in their ranks on Saturday, as they dominated the game against their promotion-chasing hosts, only to lose 2-1 after squandering several good chances.

Although desperately disappointed to have lost the game, Came was delighted with his players' efforts in what was another fine away-day performance.

Came said: "The performance was excellent and I couldn't have asked any more of the players.

"We created six or seven blatant chances and my only disappointment was that we only scored one goal. Their chairman came up to me afterwards and said they felt embarrassed to have won.

"We tore them to bits and I just couldn't believe that we lost. It was very frustrating, but it shows that we need to find another striker."

Came admitted that he was upset at Mossley's decision to recall Willcock and said that he intended to speak to the North West Counties League club about the matter.

"It was my understanding that we had him until the end of the season, but then on Friday night he got a call saying that he had been recalled by Mossley," Came said.

"The frustrating thing is that he would have had a bagful of goals if he had played at Gateshead."

With Willcock gone, Came's main hope of bolstering his attack now lies with Middlewich Town teenager Gareth Langley, who was expected to join the Barton Stadium club this week.

And more players will be under the spotlight tomorrow night, Thursday, when the Blues will be holding a practice match to take a look at some possible new signings.

Winsford are without a game

on Saturday - another frustration for Came, who would have liked the chance to build on the Gateshead performance as quickly as possible.

He said: "We've had four of the hardest games possible since I took over but everyone has responded remarkably well. With better luck we could have been doing even better, but the overall performances have been very good.

"We could have done with a game this Saturday because it has been a bit stop-start lately, but that's the way it goes."

Despite the ups and downs of the past few weeks, Came says he is enjoying his taste of management and hopes to be in the hot seat until the end of the season at least.

He said: "I'm certainly enjoying it and I'm giving it 100 per cent, which is all I can do."

WINSFORD United are at home to Barnton on Tuesday, March 30, in their rearranged Mid-Cheshire Cup semi-final.

THE Blues host a children's disco each Wednesday night, from 7.30pm to 9.15pm, for ages eight to 14. Admission is £1.

The club also has a cash bingo night on Thursdays, eyes down at 7.45pm, with free admission.

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