MIDDLEWICH Town went through to the second round of the Cheshire Amateur Cup following a comfortable 2-0 win against fellow Mid Cheshire League Division One side Bollington.

The outcome was never really in doubt as the home team had the upper hand for the majority of the game.

Indeed, the score line would have been considerably more had it not been for the heroics of the Bollington keeper Marcus Pencheon who made a string of excellent saves, especially in the second half.

Bollington started the game strongly, playing some neat football in midfield, but without penetrating the home defence.

However, with Craig Stevens back in the Town midfield following suspension, it wasn't long before the home team started to control proceedings.

Mark Jones was the first to go close to scoring after 15 minutes. A cross from full back Jim Rogerson was cleared by Bollington centre back Nick Ward straight into the path of Jones whose volley went just over the bar.

Lee Murphy then headed over the bar from a Jones free kick.

With Town left winger Kyle Dyson tormenting the away defence, further chances were created, but a combination of bad luck and good keeping by Pencheon frustrated Town.

The breakthrough came with only four minutes remaining in the first half. A corner taken by Mike Sandbach was headed firmly into the Bollington net by Middlewich defender Andrew Tutt.

Middlewich started the second half in a positive mood, quickly forcing a corner which was headed just wide by Murphy.

This was quickly followed by a neat move which saw Murphy through on goal, but was thwarted by the keeper.

Moments later the impressive Town fullback Jimmy Rogerson fired a stinging shot just past the post.

However, after 15 minutes of the half, the away team nearly equalised against the run of play.

Bollington winger James Hackey spotted unmarked fullback Dave Gibbons in a forward position and found him with a perfect pass.

The defender shot firmly but it was well saved by Middlewich keeper Kevin Whitehead. This prompted the home team to up their game and good work along the by line by Mark Jones presented Gary Bryning with a chance, but his shot was saved.

The tie was settled in the 67th minute when Murphy found himself through on goal again following a superb pass from Jimmy Rogerson.

This time the striker gave the keeper no chance with a low rifled shot into the net.

MIDDLEWICH: Whitehead, Shore, Rogerson, Kay, Tutt, Stevens, Sandbach, Jones, Murphy, Bryning, Dyson. Subs not used: Gleave, Crellin.