Report

Saturday’s trip to Styal was destined to be a close game after a pitch inspection ongoing throughout the warmup was clear how the ground would affect the standard of play. On a surface that was inevitably going to cut up and a portion of the pitch covered in 2 inches of sand any supporters would have been lucky to get a quality game of football to spectate.

Middlewich had to come from behind to take a point back to Seddon Street, after going behind from a headed goal from Styal substitute Henry Chima, Middlewich forward Craig Millington replied with a thunderous strike to the Styal’s shot stoppers bottom right corner and the Witches pressed for the winner which almost left them undone as the home side squandered a chance with the last touch of the game.

The first period displayed positive play from both sides, it was Middlewich who kept the ball the better of the sides with midfielders Lowe, O’Sullivan and Priest looking to open up the Styal defence. The home side had a different approach as their long balls through the channels and strong off the ball running caused small problems for the Witches defence.  The Witches play was the stronger of the sides and the first chance fell to Martin Ormesher who narrowly put the ball wide, Millington had a chance shortly after, Lowe played a through ball which was met by the diagonal run of Millington only to find the rushing out keeper.

It was clear to see that Styal had a clear height advantage in the match up and this was telling in the play as the home side dominated in the air, this was all apparent until Adam Morris delivered an excellent set piece which was met by Damon Howard who couldn’t get over the ball with his header and sent the ball sailing over the bar.

Middlewich continued to dominate in possession but chances were limited, Styal had their first attempt on target late on as the ball fell across the 18 yard box and struck by the Styal forward but easily gathered by Hewitt.

2^nd Half

With the pitch deteriorating the play in the second half was not as energetic, Styal seemed to grab the game with both hands and had a strong period of domination taking the game to the Witches, their increased possession still created little threat until a corner in the 60th minute wasn’t dealt with by the Witches defence and the second ball was gathered with little pressure and swung towards the back post consequently met by substitute Henry to take the lead.

Dave Parr will then have been pleased with the reaction from his players who have previously struggled in the rare occasion of falling behind, they showed determination and drive to create an opening to get back into the game. The introduction of Jay Collins gaining valuable minutes, posed a threat as he made a strong run down the visitors left flank beating the right back and then the keeper with an audacious lob which unfortunately fell the wrong side of the Styal post.

Middlewich pressed again and looked positive in their play, this was rewarded as skipper and man of the match Alex Lowe laid the ball to Millington who struck the ball with confidence as he added his third in two games and draw the visitors level in the 74^th minute. Middlewich continued to press and looked like they could take the game in the final minutes with great enthusiasm and play, however it was Styal who had the best of the chances. A last minute cross from the right flank was delivered with precision and met by the Yellow’s forward four yards out, this was to be the last touch of the game as he sent the ball sailing over the relieved Witches bar.

The game was played in a good spirit throughout and although the pitch was on the softer side, credit to Styal, especially the groundsman for getting the pitch to a playable state and allowing the game to go ahead. The Witches will feel they dropped points here but there will be many more points taken off top clubs that visit Altrincham Road.

Team:

Hewitt, Parr, Tebb, Howard, Morris, Lowe, O’Sullivan(Cope), Priest (Hindley), Millington, Potter, Ormesher (Collins)

Subs Not Used: Harrison

MOM: Alex Lowe