ROSS Speight has said that Middlewich Town’s players are learning from their mistakes as they continue to adjust to competing again at a higher level.

The Witches followed a 6-0 hammering by Greenalls on home turf last week with a single-goal success against neighbours Knutsford when they returned to action.

It leaves them fourth in the Cheshire League’s Premier Division ahead of a visit from Whaley Bridge to Seddon Street on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

READ: Football stories to follow on Saturday

“We’re still getting used to things,” said the co-manager.

“Greenalls put us to the sword, punished our mistakes and reminded us how ruthless better teams can be.

“We perhaps got away with similar things when they happened last season.

“The lads deserve credit though; they put that behind them and came out on top in what turned into an intense derby [against Knutsford]!”

He hailed the contributions of Dave Griffin, who made his first start of the campaign in place of injured Dean Burgess, and substitute Stuart Tulloch during Saturday’s game.

Together with Jamie Petrie and Michael Welch, sent off in the second-half, they made up an experienced core.

Speight said: “We decided to go with one or two older heads, and it worked a treat.

“Dean leaves a big hole in the side because he’s become such an important part of our defence, and so we needed others to step up and give to us what he does.”

Burgess, who has suffered a broken collarbone, is not expected to return to action until after Christmas.