ROSS Speight has said that small details had made the difference when Middlewich Town succumbed to Eagle Sports in the Cheshire League’s top-flight last weekend.

The Witches twice fought back to level during a topsy-turvy first-half before Olly Fleming scored what proved to be a decisive goal for the hosts five minutes before the break.

It leaves promoted Town third in the table at Christmas.

“As a group we ought to have defended better for a couple of their goals,” said the co-manager.

“Fine margins cost us, and it’s a disappointing result in difficult conditions.”

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Richard Chinn’s header put the Warrington outfit in front before Michael Whitehead stroked in a leveller.

Ed Burthem’s swerving shot restored Eagle’s lead before Middlewich cursed their luck when Joe Coombs’ attempt clattered an upright.

Captain Jamie Petrie made it 2-2 with a rising shot only for a partial-clearance from a corner to reach Fleming who fired an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Charles Masters.

Middlewich created chances to add to their tally after the interval, notably when James Smith and Marcin Manko were both thwarted by Eagle’s number one.

Speight added: “We were patient in the second-half and their goalkeeper made a couple of great saves.

“I can’t fault the lads for their effort, and they tried to do their best on a deteriorating pitch.”

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The Witches return to action on Saturday week, December 29, when Daten visit Seddon Street, kick-off 2pm.

They will be motivated to avenge a 3-2 defeat in the return last month.

Meanwhile Town’s reserves host their Styal counterpart this weekend buoyed by putting eight goals past Golborne last time out.