WINSFORD did not hide their anger on Saturday after crashing out of the FA Vase in controversial circumstances in Lee Duckworth’s first game in charge.

Blues had taken an early lead through Sam Howell, and thought they had doubled it when Danny Egan converted Danny Hudson’s cross at the far post.

However a linesman ruled out the goal for offside.

The visitors were incensed after half time when referee Iain Siddall punished goalkeeper Dale Latham for a foul on Freddie Potter, allowing Michael White to level from the penalty spot.

They disputed a throw-in award that led to Linnets’ winner, scored by Kyle Hamid, then were left to rue another decision that went the hosts’ way after Hudson appeared to be tripped in the box.

“We were unlucky,” reflected Duckworth afterwards.

“But there’s a lesson to be learned too, and we must react better when decisions go against us.

“The lads should be positive; they played good football, and opened up their defence a number of times. It’s a foundation for us to build on.”

Runcorn made the early running; Potter fired over in the first minute, while White headed too high from a corner in the second.

At the other end, Egan prompted goalkeeper Dean Porter to save with his fingertips after meeting Tom Clarke’s cross with his head.

Danny Hudson’s effort flashed inches wide, then new recruit Howell put Blues in front.

After collecting the ball on the right, he side-stepped his marker before driving the ball past Porter into the far corner.

Clarke cleared off the line at the other end to preserve his side’s slender advantage.

Latham denied Francis Smith with a smart save early in the second period, then collided with Potter as they pursued a loose ball to concede a penalty.

Hamid then made it 2-1 on 69 minutes.

Blues felt they should have had a spot kick of their own when Hudson tumbled over a defender’s outstretched leg, but Siddal did not agree.

Winsford return to action in the Premier Division on Saturday, when they visit Maine Road.

AFC Liverpool are due at Barton Stadium on Monday night, kick off 7.45pm.

Blues Latham (GK), Clarke, Duckworth, Howell (Sam Riley 74), Davies, Eiselt, Rothwell, Egan (Hibbert 46), Kyle Riley, Noon, Hudson Subs not used Seol Attendance 231