Runcorn Town 4 Winsford United 1.

WINSFORD United crashed out of the FA Vase on Saturday as they fell to a heavy defeat at Runcorn Town.

Lee Duckworth’s side were eliminated thanks in no small part to two penalties awarded to the hosts by referee Sam Mulhall.

Trailing at the break to a Kevin Exell goal, Winsford conceded again through Craig Cairns’ spot-kick before Nathan Cotterell pulled one back for the Blues.

Another penalty, this time from Joseph Holt, re-established Runcorn’s two-goal lead before Matthew Woodward added an exclamation point in injury time.

The visitors had a couple of early chances to take the lead, with Cotterell and Harry Brazel both flashing shots wide.

However, it was the hosts who took control when a quick break saw Holt cross the ball from the right for Exell to finish.

Winsford skipper Kyle Riley forced a good save from the Runcorn keeper as they pressed for an equaliser, with Cotterell and Brazel going close again as the Blues trailed at the break.

Eight minutes into the second half, Runcorn were given the chance to double their lead when Danny Kerr’s clumsy challenge resulted in a penalty, which Cairns smashed down the middle.

Riley and Brazel both forced saves from the keeper before Cotterell got the visitors on the board when his long-range effort somehow found its way into the corner.

Sadly for Winsford, their hope was short-lived as the referee awarded Runcorn another penalty following a challenge by substitute James Dean and this time Holt took responsibility to send Blues keeper Michael Langley the wrong way.

The goal seemed to deflate the visitors and the hosts rubbed salt into the wounds in injury time.

Winsford failed to clear a corner properly and this allowed Woodward to score a fourth goal from close range.

Winsford: Langley, Stott, Ward, Rothwell, Duckworth, Kerr, Taylor (Wady, 83), Brazel, Riley (Johnson, 78), Cotterell, Collins (Dean, 58). Sub not used: Osborne.