LLOYD Morrison believes Blues’ resilience was rewarded in Saturday’s FA Vase success against Morpeth Town.

The Winsford boss saved praise for every player in his patched-up team after they protected Andy Hurst’s penalty kick conversion to reach the third round for the first time.

“We were on our last legs,” he said.

“I think if they had equalised then we might have lost, but the players managed to hang on with a fantastic defensive performance, particularly the back four.

“The lads that came in to replace those that were missing did a great job, I’m so proud of them.”

One of those was stopper Charlie Anderson, who joined Winsford from Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club FC United of Manchester this week.

After a brief cameo as a substitute in last Tuesday’s 5-1 win against Wigan Robin Park, he started in blue for the first time at the weekend.

“Charlie was the worst player on the pitch in midweek,” quipped Morrison.

“He more than made up for it on Saturday; he’s a player I know well, and I reckon he can be a big asset.”

The former Flixton manager warned too that he expects a bruising encounter when Premier Division rivals Runcorn Town visit next month in the last 64.

He is happy though with a home draw.

“There’s not a lot of love lost between the two sets of players,” he said.

“We know what to expect from them, as they will from us.”

Full back James Blair and Adam Foy serve one-match bans when Bacup Borough arrive at Barton Stadium this weekend, although Kyle McGonigle is available again.

Callam Gardner returns after sitting out Saturday’s success because he was cup tied, although Daniel McDonnell (hamstring) is a doubt.

Morrison will be boosted though by the return to training this week of front man Wayne Welbeck, out since September with a serious ankle injury.