Middlewich Athletic 2 Daisy Hill 1

North West Counties Division Two

IMPROVING Athletic fought back from an early shock to take the points against struggling Daisy Hill.

Athletic started the match the same way as the previous week's encounter at Fleetwood, by giving an early lead to the opposition.

Daisy Hill went ahead in the third minute through Steve Elwell.

Phil Parkinson got caught in possession by Elwell, who then played a smart one-two with Hill before slotting his shot underneath the advancing Walton.

This though did not dispirit Athletic and in the seventh minute thy equalised through an Alan Woan special.

Danny Griggs was brought down on the edge of the box and Woan stepped up to curve the ball into the top corner, beating Sumner in Daisy Hill's goal.

From there, Middlewich went from strength to strength and Griggs and Tier made Sumner work hard to keep his side level.

Then came a cruel blow to Daisy Hill's centre back Craig Thomas, who went down injured and didn't move. The referee stopped play immediately, realising that Thomas had broken his leg.

The game was stopped for half an hour as Thomas was taken to hospital.

Once the match was restarted, it was Daisy Hill who got to grips with the game, and it seemed Athletic had lost the impetus.

Only two fine saves from Karl Walton prevented Daisy Hill from taking the lead, but at half-time the scoreline was level.

After a half-time roasting from manager Dave Twite, the Robins came out attacking Daisy Hill.

Gavin Tier went close on two occasions with Sumner saving well and Rudd clearing off the goal-line.

Athletic had their tails up and were pushing forward at will. Griggs crossed for Olliver, but he saw his header tipped-over by Sumner.

It looked like Athletic were going to be denied their victory, until substitute Wilson entered.

Wilson won the ball in midfield and set off on a run down the right. His shot came across, took a deflection off Cowburn and looped over Sumner and into the net.

It was unfortunate for Cowburn, but a deserved winner for Athletic.

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