MIDDLEWICH began the marathon with a sprint on Saturday.

While managers liken the season to long-distance, Middlewich went off like a rocket, scoring all but one of their goals before half-time, against well-fancied Poynton, who were third last season.

The new striking partnership of David Dale and Rob Hopley looked more than promising as Poynton were quickly dismantled.

Dale was goal provider in 13 minutes with a nod down. Joey Roberts' shot was parried and Hopley poached Town's first goal of the campaign. They doubled their lead on 26 minutes via a firm Roberts finish and only a tremendous save prevented Ian Stanton scoring the third on the half-hour.

Mark Tomlinson was just off target before Hopley claimed his second in the 35th minute, following a throughball from Stanton, who claimed the well-struck fourth shortly afterwards.

All of which left only the victory to be wrapped up. Poynton scored a spectacular goal in 84 minutes, but Dale had the final say with a fine finish from the edge of the area.