WINSFORD UNITED 2 CHORLEY 0

A PENALTY miss by the usually reliable Danny Mills proved a turning-point as Winsford went on to take the initiative and collect three vital points in their fight to avoid relegation from the UniBond First Division.

The kick-off was delayed to allow ground-staff to clear pools of surface water and in the end it was Winsford who adapted more successfully to the heavy conditions.

Chorley began well enough and home keeper Dave Pierce had to be alert to snatch the ball off the toes of Neil Mitchell sent clear by Neil Matthews.

Then a clever run by Matt Swailes on 28 minutes ended when he was brought down in the box but Mills, previously successful from nine penalties, failed to make it 10 out of 10, his shot rebounding off the post.

Three minutes later Winsford were ahead, Adrian Riley racing in to glance home a header from a free kick.

The hard-working Swailes brought a fine, diving save from Pierce after the break but Winsford generally held sway and got the all-important second goal in the 68th minute when David Mayes headed in a corner at the near post.

The introduction of substitute David Eatock sharpened up the Magpies' attack and Pierce twice distinguished himself with full-length saves from Mike Wallace and Swailes.

But Chorley could not find a way back into the match and manager Ken Wright will be looking for more fire from his team in tomorrow's Chairman's Cup semi-final against Premier Division Barrow at Victory Park (kick off 7.45pm).