MIDDLEWICH announced their Mid Cheshire League title intentions loud and clear by walloping second-placed Lino on Saturday.
They named former Northwich Vics, Witton Albion and Winsford United player Wes Simpson - under the eye of several UniBond Premier Division clubs - in midfield as he attempts to regain match fitness after an eight-month lay-off.
He responded by heading home the fourth goal, but the performance of front two David Dale and Rob Hopley was the key to victory. They each scored two goals. Lino, who featured ex-Witton and Winsford centre-forward Mike Turner, scored first and last but, said Middlewich boss Terry Murphy: 'We ought to have scored five more - their goalkeeper was terrific.'
