ALTHOUGH Middlewich Athletic manager Dave Twite would never get carried away with one result, he couldn't resist reflecting on his short managerial reign with an air of satisfaction on Saturday.

After a disastrous start to 1998 when Twite publicly criticised some of his players, it's amazing what a couple of good results has done to his mood, as he is now gushing with praise, especially for his once leaky defence.

After the Robins had shown brave fighting qualities by coming from behind to grab three points against Daisy Hill on Saturday, Twite said: "We've come a long way since I took over 11 games ago, but there's still work to be done."

Saturday's win was his side's second consecutive success. Hardly championship form, but the players continued their positive response to the manager's warnings of relegation.

Their performance was encouraging if not altogether convincing, showing that Twite is right to remain cautious.

They had to rely on a late deflection to overcome the visitors, who suffered the shock of losing a player with a broken leg.

Twite continued: "We came out in the second half more determined and the players knew what thay had to do. We should have wrapped the game up before the own-goal but their keeper had a good day.

"Again the back four of Burgess, Cain, Tier and Walton were outstanding for us."

Athletic go to Bacup Borough, one place below them in North West Counties Division Two, on Saturday, where a win would open up more daylight between themselves and the drop-zone.

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