It was the away side that took an early lead after a positive start to the match. Sloppy play down the Athletic left lead to the ball being given away and dangerously crossed in to the box. The ball evaded all of the Ashton back line and the Winsford Number 11 was at hand at the back post to side foot in.

This sparked the home side into action and they were back on level terms 6 minutes later. The ball found it's way to Ryan Small who made no mistake to carry on his excellent goalscoring form.

The Yellows were playing some free flowing football now and took the lead only a minute later. Good build up play from Michael Downing found Paul Casey on the overlap. He crossed for Richie Livingston who made no mistake at the back post.

Two goals in the space of two minutes saw the Yellows up the tempo and on 19 minutes they were further ahead. Again, good build up play from Michael Downing, saw the ball worked to Sam Bailey. Bailey, who has been in tremendous form recently, struck a fantastic shot from outside of the box which evaded the away 'Keeper.

The first half goals were not finished there and on 39 minutes Livingston added to his first goal with an excellent finish. Once again, Super build up play down the left found Livingston at the back post however, this time he decided to bring the ball down and take it round defender and Goalkeeper and slot in to the empty net.

Leading 4-1 at half time it would have been easy for The Yellows to take the foot off the gas and see out the second half. However, Winsford came put determined and pressed forward in search of a 'comeback' goal. After a few half chances it was Ashton who scored next. Ryan Small finding the net on 56 minutes to effectively end the contest at 5-1.

Further chances came and went for both sides and it was Winsford who pulled a goal back. Good work down the right was snuffed out by Paul Casey resulting in a corner for the away side. Excellent delivery saw a thumping header rocket into the back of the net. Probably a goal the away side deserved after a much improved second half display.

It was Ashton however that had the last say in the game playing some excellent attacking football. From a corner the ball was worked into the box to Ian Rowlands whose header at the back post saw him score his first goal of the season.

The only disappointment of the night saw influential Striker, Ryan Small, limp off following a hamstring injury. With one eye on Saturday's Semi-Final second leg the prognosis didn't look good!

Get down to Brocstedes on Saturday to cheers the lads on to hopefully reaching the clubs first final for many-a-year.