WINSFORD United are still suffering from disappointing crowds despite their solid start to the season.

Barton Stadium saw a dramatic drop in attendance during a week in which United topped the UniBond Premier table and claimed the prized scalps of Altrincham and Leigh.

A crowd of 460 saw the Blues turn in a rousing performance against Alty last Tuesday, clinching a 2-1 win against the summer's big spenders.

But with Saturday's game against Leigh being watched by less than 200, the Blues had the lowest crowd in the UniBond League.

Manager Dalton Steele, who in the past has warned that low gates could be the death of the club, has revealed his targets for the season as improving on last year and providing results which will attract an audience.

Steele said: "We hope to give some excitement to the fans and take things forward to bring people through the gate.

"You only have to look at Accrington Stanley, who were at the bottom all last year but still had a guaranteed 300 or 400 fans there every week. If Winsford were in that position you would probably get 10!"

Vice-chairman Mark Loveless also expressed his disappointment at the way crowds seem to be slipping.

He said: "We have the best footballing side for a long time here and are one of the top teams in the league, definitely good enough to finish in the top three.

"On Saturday we were up against another top team and I was expecting at least 300 to turn up. So short of opening the doors for free, there's not a lot we can do.

"We do what we can with the money available but don't seem to be getting anywhere. It's soul-destroying for everyone at the club."

Steele's other aim - to improve the team - is right on target, despite a 1-0 defeat at Stalybridge Celtic on Monday which knocked his side from the top of the table.

He said: "We need to get better and develop and if we can, everything will take care of itself.

"We look after the players here and have a good set-up so once the new guys blend we can bring the club forward."

At Stalybridge, Nathan Peel returned from injury and Garry Thomas from suspension, but David German's sending-off will lead to a ban for him.

Mark Came is also a doubt for Saturday after missing the match with knee ligament trouble.

Winsford's next game is at Guiseley this Saturday before they face Marine at Barton Stadium on Tuesday night.

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