Middlewich Town 5 Egerton 3

EGERTON co-manager Ben Smith could not hide his disappointment after the Yellows slipped to defeat on Saturday.

The visitors found themselves 5-0 down early in the second half following goals from James Dean, Michael Evans, Callum Priestley, Sam Wakefield and Mike Whitehead.

They did manage a brief rally, scoring three goals in a 10-minute spell when Rory Pownall stuck twice and Seb Waxman netted, but it was too late to change the outcome.

“I was disappointed with some of the boys,” said Smith. 

“The way they conducted themselves; it wasn’t what I expected of them. 

“The way they came out second half and competed, scoring three goals – that’s the attitude I want to see.”

And he warned his charges to expect changes ahead of a trip to Tarporley for a JA Walton Challenge Cup group-stage game this Saturday.

He added: “After a defeat, we’ll try out some new things this weekend.”

Chris Davies was left helpless in goal as Middlewich broke through the Egerton defence at will during the first half, scoring four times before the break.

A fifth arrived shortly afterwards, prompting a reaction from the visitors.

They replied through captain Pownall, who tapped in at the far post before sending in a looping header to narrow the deficit further.

Waxman then netted a third, but it was Town who held to take maximum points.

Egerton Davies (GK), Waxman, Hampton, May, Freitas, Mayers, Pownall, Trowbridge, Wells, Brown, Best Subs Kelly, Billingham, Devine, Smith, Worrall