MIDDLEWICH completed the double over their only genuine title rivals on Saturday.

They also regained a statistical advantage, moving seven points clear and out of harm's way from Knutsford's two games in hand.

Ex-Winsford United goalkeeper Mike Langley made two great saves before Middlewich took the lead in 20 minutes with a contender for goal of the season.

Andy Whitney, Gary Bryning, Dave Shore and Mike Brandon were all involved in a flowing move and Joey Roberts finished in the top corner of the net.

The killer goal came after the break, Whitney flicking on a Bryning corner and Brandon volleying home.

Knutsford missed one good chance, but otherwise did not trouble goalkeeper Kevin Whitehead.

Barnton 1 Linotype 2: Apart from a strong penalty claim on 10 mins, Barnton made little impact in a dreadful first-half performance.

Poor defending gift wrapped Linotype with two goals in 20 and 28 minutes.

The home side showed some improvement in the second half and in the 56th minute Wes Huizer pulled a goal back after Dave Tasker had hit the bar with a great effort.

Barnton looked the better side for long periods but the damage was done as they crashed to their first home defeat of the season.

* WITTON ALBION RES went down fighting at on form Pilkington 1-0. LOSTOCK GRALAM were beaten by the same score at home to Whitchurch and, in the Reserves Division, MIDDLEWICH were held 1-1 at home by Golborne.

Saturday: One - Daten v Middlewich, Crosfields v Barnton, Trafford Res v Witton Res; Two - Lostock v Billinge; Reserves - Middlewich v Crosfields.