Whitchurch Alport 1
Middlewich Town 2
Mid Cheshire Division One
Saturday, March 10
MIDDLEWICH manager Dave Twite started both the new signings, Kevin Lampkin and Joey Roberts, and both were to make there mark of the outcome of this fixture.
A much- improved Whitchurch side to the one Town thrashed 6-1 back in August, took the game to Middlewich, and only a fine tackle by Michael Whitehurst prevented Alport's Scott Thomas from having a clear effort at Barry Crellin's goal.
Town were struggling to find their usual passing game, and Whitchurch were scrapping for every ball, making things very tough for the visitors and the 23rd minute a high cross from Birchall was weakly punched by Crellin and Thomas side footed past Rob Corcoran on the line.
This seemed to spark Middlewich into life and a fine ball wide by Lampkin found Ben Barnard, who threaded the ball into Joey Roberts' path. Roberts beat two defenders before coolly chipping Hassall in the Whitchurch goal to open his account and put Town level.
The second half saw Marcus Hawkins on for Darren Ingham and Middlewich kicking against a strong head wind but, this didn't defeat them as they got the ball down on the ground and played better football.
Paul Quine and Lampkin were striking up a good partnership in the centre of midfield and Whitehurst was outstanding at the back.
But Whitchurch kept their fighting spirit and Thomas should have scored after good work by Paddington, but Barward intercepted and cleared any danger.
With Alan Woan replacing the injured Simon Johnson and Stuart Williams coming on for Andy Taylor, Middlewich had a new injection of life and with 10 minutes remaining Lampkin won the ball in midfield and played Woan through.
Woan still had a lot to do, being 25 yards from goal, but he put the ball through Dutton's legs and sped down on goal. Alport's keeper Hassall came to meet but the assistant manager side-stepped him and slotted home Town's winner.
Middlewich: Crellin, Lampkin, Barnard, Roberts, Whitehurst, Corcoran, Taylor, Ingham, Johnson, Quine (captain), Melia. Subs: Williams, Woan, Hawkins. Man of the Match: Micheal Whitehurst.
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