Winstanley stars as Villa claim first victory

Oct 2 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

CRONTON Villa posted their first win of the Warrington & District Premier Division season with a 3-2 verdict over Runcorn Albion at Birchfield Road.

Man-of-the-match Dave Winstanley scored an inspired hat-trick.

Both sides missed chances at 2-2 but Winstanley struck 10 minutes from time.

The only blight for Villa was a late red card for Ron O’Hanlon.

Villa Reserves, still winless, can take some positives from a 3-1 defeat by Burtonwood.

Dave Makungu scored for Cronton, whose MoM was Sandy Barker.

Halton Borough came close to forcing an equaliser against Ravenhead Knauff after reducing their arrears to 2-1.

Ravenhead had opened with a 20th-minute penalty, harshly awarded for handball against Rob Jones.

Borough continued to attack couldn’t finish – Ravenhead adding another spot-kick goal after David Buckley’s clumsy challenge.

Borough’s fightback saw Peter Jones score from one of his many efforts after a through ball by MoM Buckley. Ravenhead cleared off their goal line in the dying seconds.

Borough’s reserves crashed 8-2 at Monks Sports Res. Consolations came from Jamie Bennett and Mark Anderson

The thirds hit back from their 5-0 loss the previous weekend to overcome Newton-le-Willows 7-1. Scorers were Andy McDonagh (2), Stuart Dignall, Kieren Allen, Rob Shaw, Danny Ireland and Gary Watt.

Saturday sees Halton Borough 1st travel to Eagle Sports in the Liverpool County Cup (ko 2pm).

The seconds are open- dated while the thirds host Haydock Reserves (ko 3pm).

All players should report for 12.30pm.

St Marie’s Widnes completed an early-campaign Division Four double over Orford Blackburn Arms Res, although without three key men.

Skipper Ryan Parsonage, Rob Baker and Paul Brookfield were among the scorers in a 4-0 away win.