IT may be that Middlewich’s determination to return to the Cheshire League’s top flight means knockout ties are less important.

They should still be proud of running higher-ranked opponents close, but will feel regret at leaving themselves too much to do against a Sandbach side that was slicker in attack.

In the end, that earned Town’s neighbours a semi-finals spot.

Aidan Haughton, a striker registered for North West Counties League outfit 1874 Northwich, claimed a first-half double that put the contest out of the Witches’ reach.

Had he not struck an upright midway through the second period, then the hosts might not have summoned the energy for their best spell of the contest in the remaining half-hour.

Middlewich did not lack an incentive; they have never reached the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup last four, nor had they lost a competitive match at Seddon Street since May.

They were given further encouragement when Adam Clayton mistimed a sliding challenge on James Dean, conceding a penalty on 70 minutes.

Captain Sam O’Sullivan swept in the spot kick to halve his side’s arrears.

Five minutes earlier co-managers John O’Sullivan and Ross Speight sent on leading scorer Michael Evans, not fully fit after suffering an injury recently, to inspire a comeback.

His first contribution was to fire in a low cross that the visitors’ defence cleared unconvincingly, while later his drive prompted Sandbach’s goalkeeper to save.

Frustratingly for Middlewich, they did not make him do so again despite dominating possession.

There had been encouraging signs during the opening stages; Sam Wakefield twice shot off-target when he had a glimpse of goal, while Callum Priestley’s celebrations were cut short when a linesman ruled the wide man had strayed offside after he nudged in a loose ball.

Sandbach stirred, and assumed control.

Goalkeeper Charles Masters reacted instinctively to block with a boot when Dan Bartle’s free kick was deflected by Town’s defensive wall.

However he could do nothing when Haughton slammed in on 20 minutes after Dave Griffin had smuggled Jeremy Pacombe’s diverted centre off the goal-line.

Masters was again decisive when Bartle scooted clear, saving smartly when the two came face-to-face.

He put the forward off too, forcing him to skew over, when Haughton squirted a pass into the six-yard box.

Haughton, Sandbach’s outstanding player, delivered a second goal himself in the seconds before the break.

After spinning sharply to face Town’s goal, the front man placed perfectly into the bottom corner a shot from 20 yards.

He ought to have completed a hat-trick after half-time when Bartle danced past defenders from right to left before slipping the ball his way, only to slam it against a post.

Masters also added another save to his list when parrying Pacombe’s stinging shot.

It means Town’s wait to reach a county cup final will last at least another year.

A head-to-head with unbeaten title favourites Billinge next Saturday is the perfect excuse to put this defeat – their first in any competition since September 26 – behind them swiftly.

Middlewich | 4-3-3 | Masters (GK), Whitehead, Burgess, Griffin (Devaney 46), Yearsley, O’Sullivan, Rebbeck, Dean, Priestley, Wakefield (Goryl 85), Smith (Evans 65) Subs not used Weedall, Robinson Goal O'Sullivan 70 (penalty) Booked Dean, Yearsley (both dissent), Griffin (ungentlemanly conduct), Priestley (foul)

Referee Andrew Philbin