WINSFORD United’s first game since long-serving manager Lee Duckworth’s departure ended in defeat on Tuesday night.

A first-half missed penalty proved costly as Blues, who were under the interim management of Josh Hine for the first time, were beaten 2-1 by Cheadle Heath Nomads at Barton Stadium.

Having fallen behind early through Daniel Lewis’ goal, Winsford had a golden opportunity to equalise when Dylan Woods was felled in the box, but Ross Aikenhead could not convert from the spot.

Chances continued to come and go for the hosts and they were made to pay when Sherrif Njie doubled Cheadle’s lead with what seemed to be the killer blow.

However, Winsford struck straight back to set up a frantic final 10 minutes as Harry Short tapped home and despite having Adam Barlow sin-binned shortly afterwards, the hosts sensed an opportunity.

Unfortunately, the equaliser never came and they remain 18th in the North West Counties League Premier Division ahead of the reverse fixture at Cheadle Heath on Saturday.