SOLID START FOR BLUES

WINSFORD United kicked off their pre season campaign with a narrow loss at Styal on Saturday.

Blues boss Chris Willcock used the match to take a look at a clutch of triallists, using more than 20 players in a 1-0 defeat.

Club secretary Bob Astles said the signs were positive.

He said: "It was a good start and I think Chris was pleased with how it went."

"Obviously it's still very early days and there is a lot of work to do, but time is on our side to build on Saturday's display."

He had no new additions to the squad to report.

"Chris has in mind the type of player he wants to bring in," he said.

"At the moment it's a case of giving people the chance to show what they can do before deciding who to sign on and who to let go."

Last week the Guardian reported how eight members of last season's squad had penned a deal for the forthcoming campaign, while five had decided to move on to pastures new.

Former Knutsford goalkeeper Jamie Mottershead is one of the new faces already on board.

Willcock's men were due to host Rylands last night, Tuesday, and head to Stone Dominoes on Saturday as they step up their preparations for the coming campaign in North West Counties Division Two.

Meanwhile the Blues have been drawn to play Cheadle Town in the preliminary round of the Cheshire FA UniBond Senior Cup.

The match will be played at the Barton Stadium on Wednesday, August 16, with the winner earning a home tie with Stalybridge Celtic on Wednesday, September 13.

Winsford United are looking for a new commercial manager.

The Barton Stadium club offers competitive commission-based rates.

To find out more, or to apply, contact club secretary Bob Astles on 01270 661623.