Tuesday 31st July 7pm Kick-off

Middlewich Town Vs Winsford Utd

Played in the early evening, the sun was shining on Seddon Street as The Witches hosted old local rivals Winsford Utd, last seasons Northwest Counties League 1 Winners. another pre season friendly set up by Terry in a bid to give us some stiff opposition before the season proper starts.

Winsford started well, pushing hard early and giving our defence something to think about. although Middlewich soon got back into its stride and was counter attacking well, having a penalty appeal turned down as Mike Brandon appeared to be pulled down in the area, Joey had a good attempt at goal from the resulting corner.

Middlewich where soon pushing back at Winsford, then Johnny Edwards was felled in the winsford penalty area... Gary Bryning stepped up and scores from the spot.1-0

The balance of game evened out with both sides having good runs and attempts, then Middlewich had another good run with Mike Brandon putting the ball just over the bar.

As winsford countered Kevin is judged to have pulled down a Winsford player in box. … penalty to them.… Kev saves the initial shot and is unfortunate when the rebound goes in.1-1

Middlewich again fighting back as Joner puts joey through down the right hand side.. joey crosses the ball into the box to Mike, who chests it in! 2-1

Second Half

Middlewich mad the better start in the second half and Mike Brandon scores a fine goal to make it. 3-1
Terry decides to make a couple of substitutes in quick succession with Andy Whitney coming on for Gary Bryning...
As Whitters was settling in Middlewich again went close with a good headed attempt from Mike brandon.…

Steve Warburton then came on for Stu Tullock.…

Johnny Edwards made a great solo run down the left with the resulting shot at goal being saved. … then the rebound just wouldn't fall for us as Middlewich players tried to put the ball away only for it to be cleared.

Later on Mike Brandon has a run down the left..a low pass across the edge of the box to Joey who had time to line himself up and shoots. … scores 4-1.

More substitutes as Jason Crellin is on for Johnny Edwards who had really worked hard all game. … then Joey and Mike B come off...And Dean Clarke and Adam Davenport came on...

At this time Middlewich seemed to have the bulk of the game with Winsford still getting the odd chance popping up with an attempt that seems to roll along the cross bar, and then missing an open goal the ball being put just wide and the in scramble other players get defended well with middlewich conceding a corner, this time it was our goalies time to shine with the shot being tipped over by Kevin.…

More Substitutions with Goalkeeper Kevin coming off ... and reserve team 1st choice Matty Knowles coming on to get some stopping practice in.…

Winsford have late free kick just outside our penalty area and score a very good goal to make it 4-2

Middlewich then power back. and not wishing to be out done Deano makes one of his lightening runs on the left coming close.…

Overall, The Witches put on a very good show and came out on top. there where one or two very good attempts, a little bit of pre season nerves but mostly we saw a confident team go out and win against opposition that didn't come here to lie down and be beat.