THE local derby between Winsford United and Northwich Victoria ended all square on Tuesday.

After falling behind due to a Chad Whyte penalty, Winsford responded just before half-time through Ollie McDonough.

The Blues dominated the second half, but were unable to take their opportunities meaning the game finished level.

Lee Duckworth’s side came into the game off the back of a comfortable 3-1 victory against Stapenhill in the FA Vase at the weekend but on the other hand, Northwich fell to a home defeat against Bury AFC.

The two meetings between the sides last season saw Vics come away from the Barton Stadium with a narrow 2-1 win in October, with the other ending 1-1.

The first opportunity of the game saw Ryan Jackson find Joe Duckworth’s run in behind the defence, but the Blues forward saw his cross flash across the six-yard box.

Minutes later Daniel Boden, had the game’s first shot on target but he was unable to trouble Christopher Cheetham in the Northwich goal.

As the opening stages became end-to-end, Duckworth went on a solo run and eventually forced Cheetham into a sharp save down to his right.

Northwich then turned defence into attack, and were awarded a controversial penalty for handball against Adam Barlow inside the area.

Up stepped Whyte, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.

It took until five minutes from the break for Winsford to respond – a brilliant turn from McDonough beat the defender before he unleashed a rocket into the top corner to level the game.

The turnaround was almost complete just a minute later after a give-and-go between Boden and Matt Boland saw the Blues number 10's effort go just wide of the far post.

A very even first half saw the sides go in at the break level at 1-1, with the game very much in the balance.

Winsford started the better of the two sides in the second half. A fast break from Jackson saw the winger find Duckworth at the edge of the area and as the ball looking to be going into the corner, Cheetham pulled off a wonderful save to deny the Blues striker.

Lee Duckworth’s side came close again – a cross-field pass allowed Jackson to show his turn of pace to leave the full-back behind. His cross found Boden in the middle, but the effort came back off the post.

The hosts continued to push for the goal that would put them ahead in the game, this time Boden’s cross only needed a touch.

With 20 minutes remaining, Duckworth pinched the ball off Joseph Camozzi and raced clear, but his shot from a tight angle was denied by the goalkeeper.

After all the pressure and chances, Winsford were almost caught out on the counter attack – a through ball found Luke Sephton in the area, but a huge save from Ryan Hamer kept the scores level.

Entering the final 10 minutes, Winsford were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area but just like previous chances, the attempt from David Short went agonisingly wide.

Attempts from Jackson for Winsford and Ryan Winder for Northwich followed, but after a melee between the two sides in the final moments the game ended all square.

After a dominant second-half performance, the Blues will be disappointed they didn’t take all three points from the game.

Winsford will now travel to Lower Breck on Saturday as they look to get back to winning ways.