MIDDLEWICH Town can cope without their star striker.

Manager Terry Murphy told the Guardian he had faith in his young guns to replace Mike Brandon, who quit Seddon Street to join Alsager this week.

“It came as a bit of a shock to be honest,” admitted the Witches boss.

Brandon played the first hour of Saturday’s 3-1 win over Pilkington before he was substituted, then told his shocked teammates of his decision to leave at full time.

Murphy did not hide his disappointment.

“Mike has been a great servant to this club but I believe he could have handled things better,” he said.

“He didn’t seem himself during the game which is why I took him off, now we know why.”

Brandon joins a growing ex-Town colony under Neil Gill for the Bullets, with Andy Whitney, Lee Jones, Dean Clarke and assistant manager Joey Roberts all regulars for the Vodkat Premier club.

Murphy says he will turn to teenager Louis Bentley to form a new attacking tandem with Dave Tasker, who bagged a hat-trick against Pilkington.

“I’m happy to give Louis a chance,” he said.

“He’s waited patiently while others have been in the side but I believe he has the raw talent to be a success here.”

Jamie Petrie is an alternative as Murphy looks to keep Town’s title charge on track following a November to remember.

Saturday’s success took their goal tally to 24 for the month and they still lie four points clear of rivals Woodley.

Town were due at Curzon Ashton Reserves last night, Tuesday, before heading to Trafford Reserves on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.