ROSS Speight has reassured Middlewich Town’s players they are on the right path to success.

The Witches progressed to the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup quarter-finals last week following a 6-0 win at Witton Albion reserves.

They remain in contention to win three knockout competitions, and are among the front-runners in a race for promotion to the Cheshire League’s top-flight, but the co-manager continues to warn against letting high standards slip.

“The lads have been committed and dedicated so far,” he told the Guardian.

“If they continue, then we’ll have something to celebrate by the end of the season.

“We’ve worked hard to get to this point, but we’re not daft – there is more hard graft and bigger challenges to follow.”

Town did not have a fixture on Saturday, and instead return to League One duty this weekend when they visit AFC Macclesfield, kick-off 3pm.

They currently sit third in the table, one point adrift of Daten in top spot.

Speight said: “We’ll train, rather than have time off, to prepare for the game against Macclesfield.

“It’s important that we build on a great start that we’ve made; the squad is settled and competitive – everybody wants to win, and to play a part.

“They’ve proved they can learn from mistakes too, and I certainly saw a reaction [against Witton] that I was looking for after we dropped points in the previous game.”

Town’s reward for winning at the weekend is a home date with Dukinfield Town, who play in the Manchester League’s Premier Division.

They head to Seddon Street in January.

Speight said: “We’re happy to be at home.

“It’s the quarter-finals, so we expect a hard afternoon no matter who we’re playing.

“We’ve worked hard to reach this stage, and fully intend to make the most of it.”

Meanwhile side have paired with Winsford Saxons, from the Crewe and District League, in a draw for the Mid-Cheshire District FA Challenge Cup last eight.