MIDDLEWICH Town are gunning for Barnton as they bid to take revenge on the team who completed the double over them last year.

Manager Terry Murphy said his players were ready to make amends for last season when they face their rivals at Seddon Street tonight, Wednesday.

“All the lads are up for it. I saw them last week against Knutsford and although they lost I thought they were the better team”, he said.

“We’ve got to be ready for it. We need to win all our games in August to put the pressure on.

“Barnton have got one or two lads who look good and also one or two in midfield that aren't bad but if we play to the top of our game we can beat anybody.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Town kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Woodley on Saturday, with new signing Dave Tasker netting two goals on his debut.

“First games are always difficult but we deserved to win. They scored from about 60 yards when our goalkeeper was organising his defence and I don’t think they had a shot at goal other than that”, Terry said.

“We could have won by three or four, but it was enough in the end.”

Murphy said he wants to send out a warning to other clubs that Middlewich are ready for the challenge ahead.

“The new players are looking alright and it looks like I have got a stronger squad than I have ever had, it looks very strong.

“If we can get through the first month without getting beaten it sends out a message to the other teams.”