Egerton 2 Middlewich Town 1

MIDDLEWICH Town suffered a disappointing week but can still seal a top three finish in Cheshire League One if they win on Saturday.

Following a 4-1 loss to Lostock Gralam in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Challenge Cup final on Wednesday, the Witches were beaten at Egerton in the league.

Mike Evans netted for the visitors, but goals in the first and last minute for Egerton sealed a home win.

It took less than 20 seconds for the hosts to take the lead when Chris Trowbridge smashed in from a cross to the back post.

James Smith was played in at the other and dribbled round the keeper, only to see his effort cleared off the line by a defender.

Sam O’Sullivan, deputising for Martyn East in goal, pulled off two good saves as Egerton threatened to increase their lead.

With the game delayed after the break due to a serious knee injury to an Egerton player, Town took the ascendancy and saw another effort cleared off the line.

But they found an equaliser on 65 minutes. Mike Evans linked up well with Smith and Joe O’Sullivan before stabbing the ball past the keeper from 12 yards out.

Middlewich were awarded a corner in the final minute and piled forward in search of a winner, but Carl Wade’s header was dealt with.

From there the hosts broke away and won a corner of their own, with Sean Mills slamming home.

Town face Altrincham Reserves in the JA Walton Cup quarter final on Wednesday.