TOWN started their Mid Cheshire campaign with a well earned point which manager Dave Twite described as being "ground-out by excellent defending", especially by the impressive Ian Tier.

Middlewich, who were without the injured Terry Cain and Paul Quine with work commitments, gave debuts to John Ledward and Craig Johnson who both acquitted themselves admirably.

The first chance fell to Middlewich with Steve Rowlands striking an effort from the edge of the box just over Beeches crossbar.

Lewis and Mark Heywood, who were also making their debuts, were dictating proceedings from midfield, but Beeches slowly started to push forward and Town's defence had to withstand 20 minutes of pressure.

But with Tier and Jump at the heart of Town's defence they stood firm.

The second half saw Middlewich kicking into a very strong headwind. Beeches, with the wind behind them, pushed Middlewich back and were dominating.

But again Town's defence defied them with Walton in good form.

With 10 minutes remaining Beeches thought they had broken the deadlock. From a corner, Hockhall's header was cleared off the line by Tier who calmly chested the ball down and cleared to safety.

MIDDLEWICH Town's first taste of the Mid-Cheshire League at Beeches on Saturday left manager Dave Twite concluding "I know where I'd rather be."

Middlewich lost their place in the North West Counties League in May after missing the April 1 deadline for ground improvements, despite the fact that Seddon Street is now furnished with an impressive new stand.

But Twite remains confident that his players can get on with it and bounce back.

He said: "Me and the players have to get over it and not think we're big shots. It's still a good standard of football at this level.

"But I was disappointed with the place. The ground was not enclosed and it was basically a park pitch. After seeing that I know where I'd rather be.

"But that's the Mid-Cheshire League."

Matters on the pitch, however, were a little more inviting to the Witches boss, as his under-strength side came away with a 0-0 draw.

Twite said: "The result was well-earned. Our defence came under some pressure but dealt with it effectively.

"I'm happy with a point because Beeches only lost once at home last year and we're still missing four key players who would have made a difference.

"But I wasn't happy with some performances out there and players will have to look over their shoulders because we have a big squad of players who will want a stint on the first team.

Town travelled to Whitchurch last night for their second Mid-Cheshire League fixture. Their opening home game is against fellow North West Counties exiles Garswood on Saturday.

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