Middlewich Town 3-1 Garswood United

MIDDLEWICH Town returned to second spot in the Cheshire League One table courtesy of a hard-fought win over Garswood United.

George Hopkins netted the first and third goals, the latter sealing the win in the 89th minute, while skipper Sam O'Sullivan grabbed the second.

Middlewich controlled long periods of the first half, forcing Garswood to play quite deep in their own half.

The pressure paid off when Hopkins converted a Jamie Petrie cross to finish a swift counter attack after 28 minutes.

O'Sullivan doubled the hosts' lead with a composed finish from Mark Adamcyzk's through ball six minutes later.

Garswood United came out in the second half with renewed purpose and started to ask questions of Middlewich's back four.

Middlewich stood firm until a defensive mix up was punished by the visitors.

This sparked the Witches back to life but several opportunities to restore their two-goal lead went begging.

With Garswood pushing for an equaliser, Hopkins lifted the ball over the Garswood goalkeeper from 20 yards after he had combined with Mitch Weedall to open up the defence.

"We were too inconsistent in our performance," said Middlewich co-manager Ross Speight.

"In the first half we were excellent in patches but in the second half we didn't maintain possession long enough which gave Garswood the opportunity to get at us, which they took full advantage of.

"Credit to the lads they withstood some pressure and saw the game out for the win.

"We still need to polish a few edges but we're all working hard to put it right."