Chester Nomads 0 Middlewich Town 1

MIDDLEWICH Town’s reward for victory at Chester Nomads on Saturday is a knockout duel with reigning Cheshire League champions Linotype.

James Dean’s first-half goal against the West Cheshire League outfit secured the Witches’ progression to the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup's last 16.

And they almost made a perfect start when Sam O’Sullivan collected the ball at the back post, only for the chance to go begging when he failed to control.

Dean Burgess had to recover quickly to prevent a glimpse of goal for the hosts at the other end, but it was the visitors who claimed a decisive goal after quarter of an hour.

Dean, defending on the edge of his own box, stole the ball from a Chester player and launched a counter-attack.

Clever movement from Dan Holdsworth and Callum Priestley opened up the Chester defence, and O’Sullivan slipped in Dean who finished smartly.

Town almost added to their lead moments later when a dangerous Priestley delivery was diverted narrowly wide by a defender.

The first chance of the second half fell Chester’s way, but Middlewich custodian Charles Masters got down well to tip the ball around a post.

His handling was a highlight of the second half, keeping the hosts at bay on several occasions.

Holdsworth and Burgess both had chances to settle the outcome final whistle, with the latter heading wide from an O’Sullivan free kick.

However in the end, one goal was enough.

Middlewich return to action in League One on Saturday week, October 31, when Egerton visit Seddon Street.