PERHAPS it would have surprised few that Middlewich Town's clash with Eagle Sports ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

For it was the fourth league game in six that ended that way for The Witches.

As a result, their search for a fifth league win of the season continues, having either drawn or lost each of their encounters since a 6-0 demolition of Daten Sports on September 18.

They would have hoped for better as Eagle Sports' form had slipped of late, going into Saturday's encounter at Seddon Street on the back of six losses.

Northwich Guardian: All pictures by Simon Hancock (NS Photography)All pictures by Simon Hancock (NS Photography)

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Middlewich got the start they would have wanted.

They took a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute courtesy of James Smith. The ball squirmed under goalkeeper Liam Marlow from a close-range shot.

Eagle appeared to be shell-shocked for a period but Middlewich were not able to take further advantage.

The visitors regained their composure and equalised 10 minutes before half time.

Chris Quirk slid a ball through the home defence for Jordan Lockett, whose effort was saved by the keeper, but defender Ste Robinson was on hand to put the ball into the empty net.

An onslaught of Middlewich corners in the second half were resolutely defended by Eagle.

Middlewich visit Winnington Avenue 94 on Saturday in the Mid Cheshire FA Cup group stages.