Middlewich Town 2-1 Mersey Valley

MIDDLEWICH Town completed a double over a rival for promotion to the Cheshire League’s top-flight thanks to two late goals.

Michael Whitehead helped to create both, first supplying a cross for leading-scorer Sam Wakefield to convert with a header before supplying a throw that led to Michael Evans’ winner.

It sends the Witches up to fourth in the table.

“That’s a victory that can galvanize us,” said co-manager Ross Speight.

“The two goals were fantastic, and a reward for the lads after they had stayed calm and stuck to the game-plan.”

They head to Lostock Gralam for a Mid-Cheshire District FA Challenge Cup semi-final on Saturday buoyed by back-to-back wins.

There will be a sense of relief too after prevailing in a league game at Seddon Street for the first time since September.

Kyle Watson put the visitors in front, applying a finishing touch from close-range to a counter-attack.

Town applied pressure in the second-half but an equaliser did not arrive until nine minutes from time when Wakefield steered in his 19th goal of the campaign.

And when Whitehead’s throw was flicked to the edge of the penalty area shortly afterwards, Evans was on hand to dispatch a shot into the top-corner.

Speight added: “It felt like a massive win against a strong Mersey Valley side.

“We were frustrated by the break because we’d controlled the game without creating many chances.

“The manner in which we gained the three points though is what’s most pleasing; Wakey’s header was fantastic, while Evo’s goal so close to full-time was something special.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 1.30pm.