Looking for a fourth successive win, Heys never really looked like they would achieve it as they proved second best to a Winsford side who were sharper in all aspects of the game throughout.

It started promisingly for Heys as they created the first chance of the night in the 2nd minute when Aaron Chalmers released Dylan Fitzgerald, who showed quick feet before seeing his shot deflected wide.

The visitors however emerged by far the brighter, playing some pacy football to stretch Heys and they took the lead in the 12th minute. Heys lost the ball in midfield and Kevin Excell broke forward, cut inside, and fired in a shot that was deflected past Russell Saunders.

Winsford might have added to their tally in the 21st minute when from a corner Daniel Boden found space but he flashed his header wide. Then, three minutes later a back header from Rudy Misambo failed to reach Saunders and Boden seized possession but lifted his shot over the Heys ‘keeper and thankfully for the hosts past the post.

Heys were struggling to gain any momentum. The freedom and understanding that has characterised so much of their play this season, with swift passing and movement was sadly missing here. In its place were misplaced passes, an extra touch when it wasn’t needed, wrong options being taken. A collective off day.

The challenge became even tougher for Heys in the 39th minute when Darcy O’Connor (pictured) was harshly sent off for what appeared a straightforward challenge between two players for a bouncing ball. There may have been contact between the pair as O’Connor came away with the ball however, the unfortunate antics of the Winsford player, as he screamed and rolled about as if he was severely injured before then getting up and walking away, once the card had been shown, left a lot to be desired.

The visitors might have taken the game beyond Heys reach by the interval when Dylan McMahon found space but pulled his shot wide.
With a one goal deficit, Heys still had hope and despite being a man down they started the second half in better fashion, moving the ball about with greater urgency and fluency.

However, Winsford looked happy to sit in and look to pick Heys off on the break and Gabriel Mooney-Munoz squandered a golden chance midway through the half when a quick free kick saw him clean through, but he steered his shot past the advancing Saunders and the post.

Despite their efforts Heys found chances hard to come by. Ashton Campbell had a close-range effort held at the foot of the post after good work by Tyler James before the latter sent a 20-yard shot wide four minutes from time.

With all five substitutions made Heys pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Winsford were set firm and saw the game out to claim a deserved three points.

TEAM: Russell Saunders, Jacob Ngoy, Joe Rothwell, Darcy O’Connor, Rudy Misambo, Aaron Chalmers (Capt), Bevan Burey, Vinny Howell, Matthew Davies, Brad Sixsmith, Dylan Fitzgerald, Subs: Kai Haigh (for Howell 52 mins), Callum Nicholas (for Sixsmith 52 mins), Tyler James (for Rothwell 62 mins), Ashton Campbell (for Davies 62 mins), Riche Makelele (for Burey 85 mins)