Grappenhall Sports 2 Middlewich Town 3

MIDDLEWICH Town's improved form continues to lift them up the Cheshire League One table.

Success in tough circumstances at Grappenhall Sports at the weekend leaves the Witches boasting a record of nine wins from their last 10 outings ahead of this Saturday's trip to Warrington Town Reserves, kick off 3pm.

Middlewich, now seventh on the ladder with games in hand on rivals above them, lost the services of goalkeeper Luke Hebblewhite and central defender Leon Robinson in the space of three minutes.

It was 1-1 at the time, Matty Jamieson having blasted home a 24th-minute opener before Odi Kouemba replied with a scrambled effort four minutes later.

But Middlewich faced the prospect of 50 minutes game time without a recognised keeper.

Striker Michael Evans, hat-trick hero in the previous week's Mid-Cheshire District FA Challenge Cup semi-final success at Cuddington, took over between the sticks with Elliot Goryl replacing him up front.

The early second-half chances came at the other end though, Carl Wade powering an unstoppable header past Matthew Hankey to give Middlewich a 47th-minute lead that was extended further by James Smith after a clever one-two with Goryl in the 63rd minute.

Town were in control and should have scored a fourth when a long ball was played through to Jamieson, but he was closed down.

Instead of being 4-1 up, Grappenhall pulled a goal back to make it a nervous last 20 minutes for Town.

As Grappenhall chased the equaliser the direct ball forward was a threat but the Witches' defence held strong.

They were able to counter attack a couple of times too, Smith forcing good saves from Hankey, but Town held on to take all 3 points.