MIDDLEWICH Town have a run of three home games to pile the pressure on Mid Cheshire League champions Barnton.

The rivals, in first and second place, clash at Seddon Street on December 27.

Before then, Middlewich host Styal on Saturday and Garswood the following week.

Manager Terry Murphy needs them to prove he does not have to make a new signing.

After the 1-0 Division Cup defeat at Garswood, Murphy said: 'When the forwards don't score, you look to the midfield to chip in.

'They are not, so I need a goalscoring midfielder. There are a few about, but they are mostly outside our area and would want money.

'I'd bring an outsider to the club, but I would much prefer to sign someone from around here.

'When midfield does not score you have problems, so there may be changes. I have a lot to think about. December and January are big months for any football club.

'I would have liked to win the Division One Cup, but I'd sooner lose in that than the league.

'On the plus side, Mark Tomlinson was on the bench on Saturday and that is a massive boost for us.'

Murphy has signed veteran Martin Faulkner as cover, but Joey Roberts (ankle) is not yet fit.

Also, their capture of Wes Simpson, the former Northwich Vics, Witton Albion and Winsford United centre back, looks like being only temporary.

Simpson was absent from training and from the weekend's match.

Of the defeat at Garswood, Murphy said: 'They had one shot and scored, we had 60% of the play and didn't trouble their keeper.

'We did not play well, but have been doing recently. But that's football, sometimes it gives you a wake-up call.'