JAMES McShane will challenge his players to be consistent when they turn their attention to the FA Vase next weekend.

The Villagers recorded a third win of the season in the North West Counties League’s First Division South when they saw off newcomers Ellesmere Rangers at Townfield.

And their player-manager says he expects a repeat performance at Avro on Saturday.

He said: “We need to back up that display.

“I’m made up for the lads because they deserved a victory even if we ought to have made it easier for ourselves.

“We’ll keep learning though.”

Goals before the break from Steve Warburton and captain Chris Smith made the difference in sodden conditions.

Josh Crofts fired wide in the early stages after combining with Lee Guirado before in-form Warburton broke the deadlock with the help of an upright.

Guirado was crowded out when he had a glimpse of goal and Smith then made it 2-0 when he applied the finishing touch to a move he had started.

Owen Dursley almost added to the Villagers’ advantage from Warburton’s corner in the second-half.

Crofts and Guirado, again, also went close before Smith headed wide from another fine Warburton assist.

They survived a late scare too, and with it kept their sheet clean, when defender Niall Ford blocked brilliantly.

Barnton | Lyons (GK), Richards, Ford, Dursley, Nicholls, Arnold (Hamid), Houghton, Warburton, Crofts (Derek McShane) Guirado (Weeder) Smith Subs not used Preston, Malone Goals Warburton 16, Smith 31

Attendance 52

Additional reporting by Niall Owens