ROSS Speight hailed Middlewich Town’s patience after Jamie Petrie’s last-minute goal clinched for them maximum points against FC St Helens.

It leaves the Witches with seven points from three matches on their return to the Cheshire League’s top-flight ahead of a trip to champions Knutsford tonight, kick-off 6.45pm.

“The lads didn’t panic late on and that pleased me,” said the co-manager.

“We were composed and continued to play the way I want us to.”

The visitors, promoted from League One along with Middlewich at the end of last season, took the lead when Lee Boardman converted a penalty after Mark Adamczyk had handled.

Town drew level when Callum Priestley marked his return by converted Jack Barnett’s cross from the left.

The hosts assumed control and Petrie, Chris Lunn and James Smith all prompted St Helens’ goalkeeper to make a save.

They left it late to secure a victory though, Petrie applying the finishing touch after Barnett and Smith combined.

Speight added: “We’ve played well so far, but we can improve.

“The foundations are there for us to have a good season if we continue to back ourselves and work in the way we have.”

The Witches host Billinge at Seddon Street on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.