MIDDLEWICH Town’s five-match unbeaten run ended on Saturday when Jack Nolan scored a last-gasp goal for Daten, writes Ben Breeze.

The Witches appeared on course to collect a point after twice coming from behind to level only for their hosts, promoted as League One champions last season, to conjure a winner.

It means Altrincham reserves, conquerors of Pilkington, replace Town at the Premier Division’s summit.

The visitors had looked more likely to break through last weekend, and Michael Whitehead’s trademark dribble from inside his own half ended with him being fouled.

However the resulting free-kick was claimed by the goalkeeper.

A throw-in on the left hand invited Jack Barnett to burst into the home team’s penalty area before playing the ball into Jamie Petrie.

After his initial attempt was saved, he laid off to Harry Short who was thwarted by a defender on the goal-line.

Instead Daten took the lead in the moments before half-time when Daniel Clarke headed a deep cross past custodian Charles Masters.

Middlewich equalised on 58 minutes when Short sprinted clear and remained composed to score.

Substitute Michael Welch picked him out with an exquisite pass shortly afterwards and Daten’s number one stopped his shot after he had cut inside his marker.

Petrie’s cross went unconverted after he had combined with Short before the Warrington-based side landed a sucker punch when Nolan blasted them in front.

Town rallied though and made it 2-2 when a defender diverted replacement Daniel Lomas’ centre into his own net after Geoff Basford’s pass had released his teammate.

However Nolan nicked it late on for Daten after a teammate won a foot-race with Scott Twite before sending the ball his way.

The Witches slip to second in the standings ahead of a meeting with the new leaders on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.