WINSFORD United put behind them the disappointment of losing their league opener when they beat promotion-hopefuls Runcorn Linnets on Tuesday.

Second-half goals from Scott Taylor and new recruit Nathan Cotterell secured a victory that sets up Blues for an FA Cup preliminary round encounter at neighbours Alsager Town this weekend.

They might have fallen behind inside 60 seconds, but goalkeeper Michael Langley was equal to front man Antony Hickey’s snap-shot.

Bevan Burey’s attempt from an angle flashed over, while Steve Jenyons’ timely block prevented a goal-scoring opportunity as Linnets made the early running.

However the visitors had the best chance to take the lead, when Runcorn custodian Daniel Lever tripped Kyle Riley inside the penalty area.

Scott Taylor stepped up, but his spot kick came back off the crossbar.

From their next attack, the hosts – managed by ex-Winsford midfielder Michael Ellison – almost piled on the woe when Burey shot off-target.

Langley was alert to intercept a cross heading in Hickey’s direction early in the second period, while at the other end Dean Clarke delayed too long when well-placed.

Cotterell, whose double saw off Staveley in the FA Cup last week, then fired wide of an upright.

He turned provider for Blues’ opener on 78 minutes, supplying a pass that Taylor drilled past Lever into the far corner.

Substitute Brandon Moores prompted Lever to save shortly afterwards before Lee Duckworth’s men made safe the points with time running out.

The player-manager’s pass sent Cotterell clear, and he converted coolly after escaping the attention of two defenders.

Linnets | Lever (GK), McKenna, Lawton, McGrath, Thorpe, Wade (Donaldson 82), Morris, Burey (Kennerley 73), Hickey (Collins 80), Shanley, Cusani Subs not used Donohue (GK), O’Brien Booked Shanley, Collins

Winsford | Langley (GK), Bayley, Duckworth, Rothwell, Parr, Jenyons, Taylor, Brazel, Riley (Egan 68), Cotterell, Clarke (Moores 74) Subs not used Osborne (GK), Collins, Stott Goals Taylor 78, Cotterell 88 Booked Rothwell, Moores, Egan

Referee James Oldham (Derby)

Attendance 295