Middlewich Town 2 Maine Road reserves 1

MIDDLEWICH Town avenged a cup defeat against Maine Road’s second string last month to extend an unbeaten run in the Cheshire League to four matches.

The Witches climbed to fourth in the table after goals from Callum Priestley and Mike Evans at Seddon Street on Saturday secured back-to-back league victories for the first time this season.

They missed an early opportunity to open the scoring when James Dean blazed over from six yards after latching on to Mike Whitehead’s delivery.

The hosts then survived a scare at the other end when Maine Road struck an upright.

But it was Middlewich who took the lead moments later, Dean carving open the visitors’ defence to before teeing up Priestley to finish first time with his left foot.

Town’s goalscorer then had another effort disallowed before the visitors levelled through Aeron Woodman.

Parity did not last long though, and the hosts struck again ahead of the interval when their guests failed to defend Jack Weedall’s long throw.

The ball dropped to Evans, who turned and drilled past goalkeeper Lewis Fielding.

Town created plenty of chances in the second half, going closest when Dan Holdsworth’s effort struck an upright.

Sam O’Sullivan also had a chance, while Evans twice sent glancing headers wide of the target late on.

Middlewich visit Chester Nomads in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup second round this weekend, kick off 2pm.

Meanwhile Middlewich reserves lost 4-1 at Winnington Avenue 1994 in a Mid-Cheshire District FA Challenge Cup group-stage opener on Saturday.