TERRY Murphy’s mood swung to ‘seething’ after Town dropped points at the weekend.

The Middlewich manager told the Guardian he had to take time out or risk blasting his players for their sloppy display.

“It’s fair to say I wasn’t happy,” he quipped.

“I think I would have upset a few people if I’d let rip straight after the game so I went for a sit down in the next room while I thought about what to say.”

Town drew 3-3 with league newcomers Club AZ, Gary Bryning’s late penalty earning a point.

Ben Purdue and Jonny Edwards were also on target.

“I thought we should have won the game,” added Murphy.

“But if felt like every time we scored we didn’t defend properly and they had a chance at the other end because my players were not concentrating.

“If you score three at home you expect to win.”

The Witches’ slip leaves them three points adrift of pacesetters Greenalls PSO, although Murphy’s men have played one less match.

They travel to Knutsford at the weekend.

“I expect us to bounce back,” said Murphy.

“I’ve watched them a few times this season already and they have some useful young players so our attitude has to be right before we think about beating them.”

He finds out this week how long Craig Stevens’ will be out after his ankle operation, a player Murphy admitted Town missed at the weekend.

Adam Morris is back in contention, which means Alex Lowe could switch to his preferred position alongside Bryning in midfield.

Ben Purdue will battle with Louis Bentley for a place alongside Mike Brandon in attack, while Steve Capper continues to serve a suspension.

Kick off on Saturday is 3pm.