MICHAEL Welch described his pride at Middlewich Town’s resilience after they played for half-an-hour with 10 men during a 3-3 draw with leaders Altrincham reserves.

Substitute Callum Parkinson was sent off five minutes after his introduction by referee Liam Ockleshaw as punishment for a foul.

The Witches led 3-2 when he left the field, and held on to take a share of the spoils.

“I think we were let down by a poor decision,” said Town’s co-manager.

“But I’m extremely proud at how we reacted on an afternoon when for large parts we matched the best team in the league.”

Middlewich, seeking to recover from the disappointment of conceding a late goal during narrow defeat at Daten last weekend, made a perfect start.

Nath Devaney steered James Smith’s low cross past goalkeeper Andrew Jones to put them in front and doubled the visitors’ lead shortly afterwards with another assured finish.

Alty halved their arrears before the break before making it 2-2 when a long ball over Town’s defence left a man clear own goal.

His first attempt was blocked by custodian Charles Masters before he converted the rebound.

Middlewich edged in front again on 58 minutes though when Jamie Petrie created space for a shot he fired into the corner after collecting Jack Weedall’s sweeping pass from left to right.

Parkinson’s dismissal followed and Alty restored parity again after benefiting from a fortunate ricochet.

However the Premier Division leaders could not conjure a winning goal.

Welch added: “It was a frustrating 90 minutes.

“But I’m optimistic we can carry this form into the games we have before the turn of the year.”

They head next to Eagle Sports on Saturday week, December 15, kick-off 2pm.