MIDDLEWICH Town hammered the Cheshire League champions on Saturday, but co-manager Ross Speight believes the Witches can still play better.

They stormed to the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup last eight following a 5-1 thrashing of Linotype, a sixth successive win in all competitions.

"There's more to come - I'm sure of it," said Speight.

"Once they relaxed after a nervy start, the lads were outstanding.

"It's a big confidence boost to get through, and we won't be afraid of anybody now in the quarter finals."

Since a 2-1 defeat against Maine Road at the end of September, Town have scored 26 times in half-a-dozen matches.

Three of their players - Michael Evans, Callum Priestley and James Dean - feature among the leading seven scorers in the Cheshire League's second tier this season.

But Speight, who switched to Seddon Street from Lostock Gralam in the summer to join forces with John O'Sullivan, insists the Witches are not reliant on those three.

He added: "We have an attacking mentality, but everybody contributes.

"Those guys are taking their chances at the moment, but it's no coincidence we've put together this run when we've had a settled side.

"We've tightened up in defence, and our goalkeeper [Charles Masters] kept us in the game during the first half on Saturday.

"I brought with me a few players from my old club, and it took time for them to knit together with the lads John had here last season.

"I think they have now, and the group is much better for it."

Town have risen to fourth in League One following a five-match unbeaten sequence, leaving them seven points adrift of a promotion position.

They visit Pilkington this Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Speight said: "That's what I want the players to be thinking about; the cup game has gone, and we'll enjoy the next tie when it comes around.

"But it's only November, and we've got some catching up to do on the teams above us."

n Match report, page 71