Middlewich Town stay top of the Division One table thanks to a 3-1 victory over Trafford Reserves at Seddon Street.

The league champions have recovered their winning form, having taken 15 points from a possible 18. Peter Havier grabbed Middlewich's opener before Steve Warburton slotted home a second following a good move.

Trafford gave themselves hope with a goal but Middlewich wrapped up the win following a blunder from the visiting goal-keeper - Andy Whitney tucked away the dropped ball.

And they completed this win without a host of first-team regulars. The likes of Joey Roberts, Dean Clarke, Craig Stevens, Dave Short and defender Graeme Kay were all missing through suspension or injury.

Manager Terry Murphy said: 'I was very pleased with the win because we had seven or eight first teamers out. It is encouraging to see we can get results, even with a number of players missing.'

They travel to Garswood United on Saturday and Murphy hopes to have most of his walking wounded back in action.

He said: 'I'm hoping Stuart Tulloch and Lee Jones will be in contention. It is a case now of keeping our run going but it'll be difficult there, out in the sticks. They'll be hard to beat but I'm confident we can get a result.'