Middlewich Town 2 Garswood Utd 3

Mid-Cheshire League Division One

THE clash between the two teams demoted from the North West Counties League saw a very entertaining match, with both sides evenly matched throughout the contest.

It was Middlewich who took the initiative, with Rowlands shooting just wide after good work by Griggs.

Town made three changes from their midweek match, with starting spots for Lee Wilson (signed from Ashton United), Andy Lloyd and Gavin Tier.

It was Lloyd Marandial, forward from midfield, who next came close to opening the scoring with a header which was well stopped by Garswood's keeper.

Middlewich were pushing forward and playing some delightful football with Quine playing a commanding midfield role.

But Town were caught by a sucker punch with Laird catching the defence ball-watching, and he placed his shot underneath the stranded Walton.

Five minutes before the interval Rowlands got the equaliser after a splendid ball from Paul Quine, volleying the ball into the top corner for a deserved goal.

The second half saw Garswood pushing forward with the strong wind behind them, and on 65 minutes Collier got their second after another mistake in Town's defence.

Middlewich, to their credit, kept their heads up and carried on trying to keep possession and playing football.

With time running out Mark Heywood and Jason Cain came on to play in a four-pronged attack, and this move nearly paid off for manager Dave Twite with Griggs having a shot well saved and Heywood hitting the crossbar with a header.

But again Middlewich were caught ball-watching and from a throw-in, Woodier found space and struck a shot from 30 yards which flew into the net to give Garswood a 3-1 lead.

With two minutes remaining Pete Lewis got Town's second after great work by Mark Heywood.

From the restart Middlewich had one last effort with Dave Heywood having a long-range shot, but Garswood's keeper again thwarted Town by clutching the ball tightly and securing the win for his side.

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