MIDDLEWICH Town Reserves' push for the Mid Cheshire Reserves Division title was given fresh impetus on Saturday with a 1-0 away win at Garswood.

Both sides started well and the home team could have gone in front when a shot was deflected towards goal, but Barry Crellin in the Town goal did well to get down and make the save on the line.

The game was played at a high tempo and John Edwards looked in sparkling form for Town and he created their first chance of the game, latching onto a Paul Allen through ball.

Edwards was brought down inside the box but Paul Cooper's poor spot kick was easily saved by the home keeper.

While not at their fluent best, Town looked the most likely to score and where unlucky on 38 minutes when Edwards' great run ended with his goal bound effort being cleared off the line.

Avenge

With Garswood looking to avenge their recent semi final defeat, the game had a good competitive edge and there was no let up in the second half.

But on 50 minutes Town got the vital breakthrough when a Gavin Tomlinson free kick was neatly headed into the top corner from the edge of the box by Allen.

After the goal Town had their best period and were unlucky not to increase their lead on several occasions, with efforts from Edwards and Tomlinson going close.

The home side came more into the game in the closing stages but the Town defence stood firm with Allen and the ever-dependable Nathan Morris outstanding.

TOWN: Crellin, Arnold, Entwistle, Allen, Morris, Douglas, Tomlinson, Weedall, Edwards (Lewis), Whitney, Cooper (Warren).