LEE Duckworth has said back-to-back defeats should be a reminder for Winsford United that they have work to do if they are to avoid relegation.

Blues followed a narrow reverse against North West Counties League leaders City of Liverpool with another when they lost 4-1 at Ashton Athletic last weekend.

It leaves them two points clear of the drop zone.

“We’ve had a wake-up call,” the manager told the Guardian.

“Ashton put us to the sword, and we can’t allow ourselves to think the job is done because we put together a decent run of results last month.

“We’ve done some good work, but that should just be the start.”

A Winsford side heavily depleted by injuries and absences because of unavailability bowed out of the Cheshire FA Senior Cup last Tuesday following a 4-0 defeat against Chester at Barton Stadium.

They held their own before the break, which they reached on level terms, before Nat Brown’s goal early in the second-half set the National League North side on a course towards the last eight.

There has been respite for Winsford because they don’t play a competitive fixture again until Barnoldswick Town visit on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

A friendly against Glossop North End has been arranged for tomorrow, Tuesday.

Duckworth said: “That will help lads to recover because we’ve had a few missing.

“The team pretty much picked itself to play Chester and that’s not a position I want to be in.

“We want to have options, and getting guys fit again does that.”

He expects to have full-back Damian Skolorzynski back shortly, while Scott Taylor’s appearances have been restricted by work commitments.

Steve Jenyons and Obi Anoruo joined Lee Jones, who took a knock during a Boxing Day derby with 1874 Northwich, on a list of injured players for the meeting with Chester.

Midfielder Sam Howell has departed too after accepting an offer to join Premier Division rivals Padiham.

Winsford received a boost last weekend though when Kyle McGonigle made his first appearance since mid-November.

Duckworth said: “It was great to have him back.

“He’s still not 100 per cent recovered from the injury he had and it’s hard for him to play twice a week.

“We recognise the quality that he has though and hope he can contribute in the games to come.”