MIDDLEWICH Town held their nerve to win a meeting with rivals for top spot in the Cheshire League’s Premier Division.

The Witches led 3-0 by the break against Poynton thanks to goals from Harry Short, who scored twice, and Marcin Manko.

However the visitors to Seddon Street rallied at the start of the second-half when Jay Burgess’ brace brought them back into the contest.

Callum Priestley’s dismissal made life harder for the home side but they protected their advantage and move four points clear at the top of the table.

Cuddington took back first place in League Two following a comfortable 4-0 win at Cheadle Heath Nomads reserves.

Goals from Max Linaker, Ben Curbishley, Danny Hancock and Callum Payne avenged successive defeats against the same opponents earlier in the campaign.

Meanwhile Winnington Avenue 1994 thrashed Mersey Valley with hat-tricks from Sam Didsbury and Ste Rowlands the highlights of a 7-2 victory.

Joel Hind was on target too as the Northwich team extended an unbeaten run.

It was an afternoon to forget for Winsford teams in the Northern Cup first round.

Over 3 Grange lost by the odd goal in five at Styal reserves, while Saxons bowed out following a 6-2 defeat away to Pilkington reserves.

There was reason to be cheerful for Winnington Avenue though after they collected a first point of the campaign in the Crewe and District League.

Kyle Caldwell helped himself to a hat-trick in a 4-4 draw with neighbours Clock Tower.

Dom Johnson claimed all of Barnton Wanderers strikes when the defending champions edged out hosts Sandbach Curshaws by the odd goal in seven and climb to fourth in the standings.

Performance of the week

Cuddington

The men from Norley Road had lost twice to Cheadle Heath Nomads reserves before their latest meeting.

However Gareth Harwood’s men became the first visiting side to win a League Two fixture on their opponents’ pitch this term after running out 4-0 victors – a win that propels them back to the top of the table.

Player of the week

Kyle Caldwell (Winnington Ave)

He scored a hat-trick for Winnington Avenue to help them collect a first point of the campaign following a 4-4 draw with Clock Tower.

They had lost all nine of their previous matches this season.

It was a good week for…

Winnington Avenue 1994

A 7-2 victory against Mersey Valley is their best since switching to the Cheshire League, and extends an unbeaten run in all competitions to four matches.

Stat of the week

Cuddington’s latest victory increases their goals tally this season in League Two to 58 from 13 matches – an average of close to five a game

Quote of the week

“Poynton made us work for it but the lads’ effort and commitment over the past few weeks has been fantastic.”

Michael Welch

Co-manager, Middlewich Town

Results

Saturday, November 10

Cheshire League

Premier Division: Billinge 3-4 Congleton Vale; Eagle 3-1 Knutsford; Malpas 2-2 FC St Helens; Middlewich 3-2 Poynton; Pilkington 4-0 Greenalls PSO.

League One: Garswood 1-1 Windle Labour; Golborne 0-5 Vulcan; Grappenhall 5-0 Halebank; Moore 3-2 Buxton res; Orford 1-5 Broadheath Central; Winstanley 5-3 Ford Motors.

League Two: Cheadle Heath res 0-4 Cuddington; Holmes Chapel 5-3 Rylands res; Sandbach Utd res 7-1 Maine Road res; Winnington Ave 1994 7-2 Mersey Valley; Wythenshawe Town Development 0-4 Club AZ.

Reserves Division: Broadheath Central 1-2 Orford; FC St Helens 0-3 Daten; Greenalls PSO 0-3 Winstanley; Poynton 2-2 Billinge; Vulcan 1-3 Eagle.

Northern Cup

First Round: Sandbach Town 1-3 Goose Green; Styal res 3-2 Over 3 Grange; Pilkington res 6-2 Winsford Saxons.

Crewe and District League

Premier Division: Sandbach Curshaws 3-4 Barnton Wanderers; Winnington Ave 4-4 Clock Tower.

AJ Cooke Trophy

Quarter-finals: Tarporley 3-4 Madeley White Star.