Denton Town 2-5 Middlewich Town
MIDDLEWICH Town put behind them the disappointment of an early exit from the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup when they returned to action on Saturday.
They delivered a performance that was convincing, and reassuring at the same time, for co-manager Michael Welch.
He said: "We looked more like our old selves.
"Our standards have slipped in recent weeks but that display, particularly in the first-half when we were excellent, is a foundation we can build on."
The Witches rise to fourth in the Cheshire League's Premier Division table as a reward.
They took the lead in the sixth minute when Scott Twite headed in a the back-post from a corner.
Captain Jamie Petrie then converted Michael Whitehead's cross shortly afterwards to double their lead.
Denton halved their arrears when Francisco Costa latched onto a through-ball sent behind the visitors' defence before beating goalkeeper Charles Masters.
Petrie restored a two-goal lead quickly, firing with power into the corner after Whitehead again provided an assist.
And the attacker completed his hat-trick when he found the net directly from a flag-kick, making it 4-1 at the interval.
He was denied another when the Denton's custodian saved a penalty awarded for a foul on Twite although James Smith was first to a rebound shortly afterwards to add to Middlewich's lead.
Substitute Stefano Idugbor later claimed a consolation for his side.
Middlewich, victors in four of their five away games this season, head next to FC St Helens.
Town won the return 2-1 back in August.
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