Brandon strikes to give hope to Town

Dec 18 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

A FIGHTING 3-2 win in their derby clash with Witton Albion Reserves has given reigning champions Middlewich Town a glimmer of hope of retaining the Cheshire Building Society Cheshire League First Division title.

Mike Brandon scored a late winner to pip Witton in a fluctuating game at Wincham Park, lifting Terry Murphy’s team to fifth place, 14 points behind leaders Greenalls Padgate St Oswald, but with three useful games in hand.

Middlewich will aim to continue their recovery and lay a platform for an assault on the leaders in he New Year if they can beat third-placed Crosfields in a key pre-Christmas fixture at Seddon Street on Saturday.

Only two others in the top six were in action, Garswood United checking fourth-placed Pilkington’s hopes with a 4-3 win in a thrilling game with Mike Scully notching a hat-trick.

At the foot of the table, luckless Poynton continue to search for their first point, a 3-2 home defeat by Curzon Ashton reserves being their 11th in as many games.

In the first round of the President’s Cup, First Division Styal beat Rylands 4-1 with two goals each from Gavin Smith and David Graham.

FC United of Manchester Reserves were held to a 2-2 draw at Whitchurch Alport, and had their Second Division lead cut to 14 points by Club AZ, who won 2-0 at Malpas with well-taken goals from Harry Whitman. The Macclesfield-based challengers have six games in hand on the leaders.

Warrington Town Reserves moved up to third with an impressive 3-2 win at Tarporley Vics, while Broadheath Central continued their rise with a 2-1 win at Golborne, courtesy of two goals from top scorer Jimmy Cumbus.

In the Reserve Division, Poynton moved up to second place behind Styal with a remarkable 8-3 away win against Rylands.

RESULTS: First Division: Knutsford 0 Trafford Res 1, Garswood United 4 Pilkington 3, Poynton 2 Curzon Ashton Res. 3, Woodley Sports 1 Gamesley 2, Witton Albion Res 2 Middlewich Town 3. Second Division: Golborne Sports 1 Broadheath Central 2, Malpas 0 Club AZ 2, Tarporley Vics 2 Warrington Town Res 3, Whitchurch Alport 2 FC United of Manchester Res 2. President’s Cup first round: Styal 4 Rylands 1.