COLNE'S over-eagerness cost them dearly when they went down to a 2-0 defeat at Winsford United in the first game of the season on Saturday.

Steve Cunningham’s revamped side were keen to impress but Simon Nangle’s tackle after only three minutes was deemed worthy of a red card by the referee and Colne were reduced to 10 men.

The loss of one player did not seem to affect the Reds who had the majority of the attacking play during the first half as they moved the ball about well in midfield and outplayed their opponents.

Andy Tinker almost gave Colne the lead after 18 minutes with a shot on the turn that flew just wide of the home goal.

A string of saves by Winsford keeper Andy Jones denied Alex Coleman, Danny Boyle and Chris Anderson as Colne pushed forward with some penetrating attacks.

And Tinker was inches away from reaching Hart’s free kick at the far post on the half hour.

A flurry of attacks by the home side just before half time gave the Reds cause for concern and Marley Gough’s shot was deflected wide with Chris Thompson going the wrong way.

After 57 minutes, Chris Bailey’s low cross reached Tinker at the far post but his shot grazed the outside of the post.

As play switched to the other end, a late tackle in the Colne area presented Winsford with a penalty and Kyle Riley fired home the spot kick to put his side ahead.

Eight minutes later the home side doubled their lead when a deflected cross looped to the far post where Danny Egan side-footed home for Winsford’s second goal.

After 70 minutes, Luke Thompson’s reckless challenge earned him a straight red card and Colne finished with nine men.