ROSS Speight is calling for his Middlewich Town side to 'finish the job' when they head to Egerton to face Altrincham FC Reserves on Saturday.

The Witches climbed into top spot in their Cheshire League JB Parker Premier Division Challenge Cup group with a 2-0 success in Warrington against Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds at the weekend – despite playing for 55 minutes with 10 men.

But with the group league table a tight one, Middlewich need to deliver another strong performance to boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

They potentially need at least a draw to finish top of the group, depending on how second-placed Broadheath fare against bottom side Greenalls.

Middlewich lost 1-0 at home to Altrincham when the sides first met in the competition on April 17.

Sam Wakefield's double strike in the latest victory against Greenalls means they can go to Alty in good mood though.

“That was the perfect away performance," said Speight after watching Wakefield's second goal in the 78th minute settle matters.

"The entire squad played their part and we played some great football at times.

"We are creating a lot of chances and my challenge to the lads now is to put Altrincham to the sword next week.

"After a slow start to our JB Parker campaign we have improved each week.

"We’ve worked hard on and off the pitch as a group and we need to finish the job next week with another win at Altrincham.”

Town had numerous chances to open the scoring in the opening 20 minutes, after Speight had made a couple of changes opting for another attacking line up.

The changes paid off when Cal Priestley’s cross was converted by Wakefield before the half hour mark.

The witches spurned chance after chance to double their lead before Priestley was then shown a second yellow card on 35 minutes.

Town readjusted with their 10 men and kept Greenalls at bay until half time.

Speight made two changes early in the second half as well as changing formation.

Middlewich defended well but counter attacked even better when Wakefield doubled his tally and the visitors' lead half way through the second period.

Good build-up play from the witches found Chris Lunn on the edge of the box and his reverse pass played in Wakefield who dispatched the ball into the bottom corner.

Town continued to frustrate their hosts but it came at a cost when Ben Burrows was replaced by Lee H Oswald after a suspected hamstring injury.

Captain Charles Masters then pulled off an outstanding save with 10 minutes to go as Greenalls threw everything at halving the deficit.

But Middlewich’s defence was outstanding and saw the game out.