MATCH REPORT | FC St Helens Reserves 1-2 Winsford Town: Stripes fall to defeat in promotion bat

FC St Helens Reserves saw their hopes of promotion to the Premier Division of the Cheshire Football League dented — as a result of their defeat to Winsford Town.

The Stripes have enjoyed a season to savour, since former First Team players Paul Sweeney and Ryan Platt took the reins as co-managers.

In the time that they have been at the helm, they have relished a staggering 21-match unbeaten league that they quickly sought about extending — with just one win from their remaining two fixtures being necessary, to confirm their elevation to the Cheshire Football League’s top-flight.

And, the meeting sprung into life.

After Art Hollins caused problems that culminated in the visiting goalkeeper making a miraculous save from point-blank range, it was the turn of Cam Duffy in The Stripes’ goal to produce a smart and well-telegraphed close-range stop.

But, a back-and-forth opening to proceedings would see the visitors open the scoring.

Having seen Liam Johnstone’s angled drive, after he broke with purpose, parried wide — Winsford Town would capitalise by rising highest to bury an emphatic header.

The hosts weren’t to be denied for much longer, though.

Having seen a handful of opportunities to draw level denied by defensive and goalkeeping interventions, it would be midfield man Johnstone that would get a deserved goal.

Following a neat collaboration with Brad Green, he would be restricted once — but not twice — volleying the rebound home.

With that, the outcome of the contest — and the entirety of the second half — would be up for grabs.

Green showcased some spellbinding pace and trickery — but his effort was fired a small fraction wide.

And, with the hosts in the ascendancy — where league positions are concerned — the visitors showed urgency to throw caution to the wind and find a goal that bridged the gap, between themselves and the promotion spots.

With just 16 minutes remaining, they would fire in from close-range, to regain a lead that remained intact and secure three significant points — setting up what could be a grandstand meeting between the sides, when they meet again on the final day.