DEAN Williams was Winsford’s hero, saving two penalties as Blues became only the second side to beat 1874 Northwich in a league match this season.

Winger Dale Jennings grabbed the game’s only goal at the other end, halting a 16-match unbeaten sequence for Ian Street’s men in the Premier Division.

He slotted past goalkeeper Matthew Conkie from the edge of the penalty area on 12 minutes after Harry Noon had slipped the ball into his path from the left touchline.

1874, who played the final half an hour against their landlords with 10 men following midfielder Matthew Woolley’s second-half dismissal, could not conjure an equaliser.

Instead they suffered a third successive defeat, following exits from knockout competitions in their previous two matches, for the first time in the club’s history.

Winsford, with a little help from their inspired goalkeeper, defended resolutely when protecting their lead.

They adapted better to difficult conditions too.

Rob Byrne’s side posed more of a threat in the early exchanges, a start rewarded by Jennings’ goal.

The same player almost doubled his team’s tally when prompting Conkie to save smartly midway through the first half.

1874 went closest when Mike Brandon glanced a header, deflected by a Winsford defender, against an upright from a free kick.

Debutant Steve Foster, recruited from Warrington Town, sent Brandon clear at the start of the second period.

But Williams, alert, was swift from his line to smother the front man’s attempt.

Woolley’s shot was blocked, while Foster too was denied by Williams at close range.

1874’s task was made harder when referee Daniel Issawi showed Woolley a red card for dissent, making him their ninth player sent off this season.

Their luck appeared to have changed when Williams tripped Foster after he raced onto Brandon’s assist, only for Blues’ net-minder to save Stuart Wellstead’s spot kick.

A second penalty followed in stoppage time when Wareing felled Brandon, receiving his second caution of the contest.

But this time Winsford’s goalkeeper was equal to substitute David Short’s free hit from 12 yards.

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor (Short 72), Duckworth, Mitchell, McGrath, Chappell, Woolley, Foster, Brandon, Ward, Wellstead Subs not used Woods, Crofts, Bowyer Booked Connor, Woolley Sent off Woolley

Winsford Williams (GK), Seol (Eiselt 50), Wareing, Baker, Jon Jones, Shaw, Marshall, Jennings, Riley, Ellison, Noon Subs not used McQuillan, Gough, Rothwell Goal Jennings 12 Booked Shaw, Ellison, Noon, Williams, Wareing Sent off Wareing

Referee Daniel Issawi

Attendance 500

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke