MIKE Alcock has challenged Lee Grannell to make the keeper’s gloves his own at Middlewich.

The shot-stopper kept a clean sheet in the Witches derby stroll against neighbours Knutsford at the weekend, sign enough he could be the long-term replacement for now departed Matt Conkie.

“It’s up to him now,” said Town’s assistant manager.

“I think if Lee believes in himself a little bit more he could be a real asset for us - I’m happy to put faith in him.

“Sometimes you have to remind yourself how spoilt we’ve been for keeper here over the past few seasons with Conkie and Kevin Whitehead before him.

“It’s not easy to follow keepers of their class.”

Town shone at the other end of the pitch on Saturday, Ryan Broadhead and Dave Tasker putting them in control before the break against the Reds.

A second half own goal completed a routine victory and, with Woodley’s clash at Club AZ called off because of the weather, the league leaders are now four points clear.

It means Alcock hands back the reigns to Terry Murphy – back this week after month-long holiday – a happy man.

“We’ve won both games since he went away and not conceded a goal,” he said.

“I’m happy with that and I know Terry is too.”

They head to Cheshire League top tier newboys Billinge this weekend, kick off 2.15pm, when Tasker (thigh) and Louis Bentley (ankle) hope to shrug off injuries.

The latter sat out Saturday’s win after failing to recover from a knock picked up playing Sunday League football the week before.

“I think both of them should be fit,” said Alcock.

“We’ll have a look at them in training this week and make a decision after that.”

Shaun Came (holiday) will be missing again meaning Alex Lowe, an able deputy against Knutsford, should line up alongside Steve Capper once more.

Alcock added: “Alex did well in an unfamiliar role.

“Shaun is a key man for us and we miss not having him around but Alex showed his versatility again.”