WINSFORD United became the first team to beat AFC Liverpool on their own pitch, extending an unbeaten run in the Premier Division to five matches.

Blues played the final half an hour a man down too following midfielder Matthew Tierney’s dismissal as a punishment for receiving two yellow cards, the second for preventing goalkeeper Ryan Jones from making a clearance.

They climb to eighth in the table as a reward.

The teams traded chances during the early exchanges, leading scorer Ryan Cox shooting high for the hosts from close range while at the other end Kyle Riley steered wide a header from Alex Byrne’s free kick.

Tierney’s blast called Jones into action, while James Robinson’s attempt for the hosts lacked power.

Winsford took the lead on 57 minutes, Tierney rising highest to meet another Byrne set piece with a header that crept in off an upright.

Robinson fluffed a chance to level when Jamie Walker allowed him to shoot, then Tierney was sent off.

Danny Egan moved back into midfield for the visitors, who doubled their lead when full back Daniel McDonnell’s speculative attempt from distance dipped underneath the crossbar.

Liverpool halved their arrears on 79 minutes when Cox’s header across the area was diverted over the line by Robinson.

The home team could not conjure another opening, with Winsford’s Tom Williams going closer at the other end when a back-marker blocked his goal-bound attempt.

Byrne’s attempt from the rebound was too high by inches.

AFC Liverpool Ryan Jones (GK), Girvan, Muhama, Sinnott, Torpey, Picton (Banyihwabe 59), Steven Williams (Corris 78), Valentine, Robinson, Barry, Cox Subs not used Morgan, Christou, Morgan Goal Robinson 79 Booked Picton, Valentine

Winsford Andy Jones (GK), Byrne, McDonnell (McGuire 86), Jon Jones, Walker, Clarke, Marshall (Baker 66), Tierney, Riley, Egan, Tom Williams Sub not used Battes Goals Tierney 57, McDonnell 65 Booked McDonnell Sent off Tierney

Referee Nick Greenhalgh (Bury)

Attendance 116