MIDDLEWICH Town were sunk by Jack Nolan’s late goal for Daten and fell from the Cheshire League’s Premier Division summit.

The Witches had twice rallied after falling behind, scoring through Harry Short and an own goal, before their Warrington-based hosts – promoted as League One champions last season – pinched maximum points.

Lostock Gralam brushed aside Buxton’s reserves in a League One fixture at Park Stadium, where they prevailed 5-1.

James Dean put the Grey Lambs in front with a stylish finish before Alex Wilson was first to a loose ball to double their lead.

Robbie Hatton slotted a third goal before the break and Jack Woolley tapped in after the Bucks netted straight after the restart.

Dean completed the scoring after fine approach play by Charlie Hatton, extending his side’s unbeaten run to a dozen games.

Cuddington went down 5-2 at Sandbach United reserves in League Two and find themselves five points adrift of first place.

Winnington Avenue 1994 gave a good account of themselves at leaders Ashton Athletic reserves, where they lost 2-1.

Tom Chubb’s goal kept the visitors in a contest they had trailed inside two minutes.

“It was a frustrating afternoon,” said Winnington manager Lewis Wood.

“We woke up after a slow start but didn’t take our chances.”

Tom Smith scored both goals for Middlewich Town’s reserves in a 2-0 win at Seddon Stree against their Daten counterparts.

Over 3 Grange were comfortable 5-1 victors at Sandbach Town on their return to action in the Crewe and District League.

Zak Finnigan bagged a brace, while there were further goals from Steven Hamill, Joe Standish and substitute Brandon Icely.

Performance of the week

Lostock Gralam

A straightforward choice after they cruised to another victory, this time against Buxton’s reserves.

In-form James Dean was on target again and his opening goal set them on a course towards a 5-1 win that propelled them past Winstanley up to third in the table.

Best player

Tom Smith (Middlewich Town reserves)

The attacker increased his goals tally for the campaign to 11 with a double against Daten.

That total is made more impressive by the fact he has come on as a substitute for eight of his 14 appearances to date.

In numbers

Lostock Gralam rise to third in League One after putting five goals past Buxton reserves.

Their record during a 12-match unbeaten run: W10 D2 L0 F39 A12 Pts32

Quote of the week

“It’s hard to swallow when the opposition tell you you’re the best side they’ve played so far after beating you.”

Lewis Wood

Manager, Winnington Avenue 1994

Results

Saturday, November 24

Cheshire League

Premier Division: Billinge 3-1 Poynton; Crewe 0-1 Malpas; Daten 3-2 Middlewich; Egerton 3-2 Eagle; FC St Helens 0-1 Congleton Vale; Greenalls PSO 3-3 Whaley Bridge; Pilkington 0-4 Altrincham res.

League One: Blacon 2-2 Halebank; Broadheath Central 4-0 Moore; Garswood 2-4 Styal; Golborne 3-2 Ford Motors; Grappenhall 0-2 Vulcan; Lostock Gralam 5-1 Buxton res; Windle Labour 0-2 Orford.

League Two: Ashton Ath res 2-1 Winnington Ave 1994; Cheadle Heath res 1-1 Rylands res; Holmes Chapel 5-2 St Helens res; Sandbach Utd res 5-2 Cuddington; Wythenshawe Town Development 1-5 Cheadle Town res.

Reserves Division: Eagle 1-0 Garswood A; Middlewich 2-0 Daten; Orford 5-0 Moore; Pilkington 2-0 Golborne; Poynton 2-0 FC St Helens; Styal 5-2 Billinge; Vulcan 2-0 Broadheath Central; Winstanley 1-3 Greenalls PSO.

Crewe FA Junior Shield

First Round: Winnington Ave 0-6 Mary Dendy.

Crewe and District League

Premier Division: Madeley White Star 5-0 Tarporley; Sandbach Town 1-5 Over 3 Grange.