WINSFORD completed a nightmare run of games with a 4-1 defeat at New Mills that flattered the hosts.

Blues have faced each of the North West Counties Premier Division’s top four during their past five games, causing them to slump to five straight defeats.

With top scorers Stuart Wellstead and Craig Hoyland absent on Saturday, it was always going to be a tough test on a ground where they have not won a point in recent times.

There are obvious weaknesses in defence and this was highlighted as early as the fourth minute when a cross from the right found Adam Mather unmarked. He had all the time in the world to drill the ball past Farai Jackson.

Winsford were soon back on level terms when new signing Andy Hadzik fed the ball inside to Josh Hancock who hit a right-foot shot low into the corner of the net.

The home side were soon in front again when Robert Lloyd scored from the edge of the area.

A one-goal deficit might not have been too bad with Winsford playing down the slope in the second period but, on the stroke of half time, much-travelled striker Tommy Turner beat the offside trap and left Liam Prince and Lee Duckworth in his wake as he drew Jackson out of his goal and then slid the ball underneath him.

There was little to choose between the teams after the break and Winsford began playing some very attractive football, although they lacked the bit in front of goal and Millers custodian Chris Fidler was rarely troubled.

All their threat came from long range but 35-yard efforts from Hancock and Prince were easily dealt with.

With 10 minutes left, a rare venture into Blues territory saw Lloyd add to his first goal when a cross that should have been cleared gave him a free header.

On Saturday Winsford host Maine Road in the North West Counties League Challenge Cup Second Round, kick off 3pm.

Winsford Jackson (GK), McKay, Ledwards, Bayley, Duckworth, Prince, Southern, Hancock, Morton (McNichol 46), Brandon, Hadzik (Rutter 59). Sub not used Dawson. Att 190