ROSS Speight hailed the impact of Middlewich Town’s newest recruits after they ended a three-match losing sequence in Cheshire League One at Styal on Saturday.

The Witches included Jordan Stafford in midfield following his transfer from Barnton, while former Knutsford striker Tom Rutter also made his first league appearance.

“They both settled well,” reflected Town’s co-manager.

“It’s a great to win, and keep a clean-sheet, away from home against a side that like us is hoping to be promoted.”

Rory Gorton scored the game’s decisive goal when he met Sam Wakefield’s cross with a header – his 12th goal of the campaign.

And the ex-Egerton man almost doubled the Witches’ lead inside 30 seconds after Rutter teed him up.

Middlewich protected their lead for the remainder, and a first league victory since November sends them fifth in the table.

Speight added: “It’s still all to play for, although the next four weeks will define our season.”

Egerton, currently third and seven points better off than Town, visit Seddon Street next weekend.