MIDDLEWICH Town will have to show far more desire to win if they are to lift the league trophy at the end of the season.

Saturday's draw at home to Linotype was their third in as many league games and came just a week after manager, Terry Murphy called on his troops to win each of their remaining four matches.

Sadly for Middlewich both Barnton and Knutsford managed to grind out victories in close fought affairs which moves them closer to Town with games in hand.

Town are now just eight points clear of Barnton and 11 clear of Knutsford with both chasing sides having five games in hand on the leaders.

However Middlewich still have to play Barnton twice and the games, which were always going to be difficult have now become decisive and could actually be title deciders.

Murphy said: "Saturday was a bad result for us as it now means that we are relying on others to get the right results.

"In all three games we have been leading and the opposition has manged to claw back to draw the games."

He added: "We need to improve our concentration but, particularly on Saturday, injuries had a lot to do with the result as well.

"We lost two players which totally altered the shape of the team."

Joey Roberts was once again on target for Town, finding the net early in the first half.

Linotype though managed to find a way back into the game after being awarded a dubious penalty with just 10 minutes remaining.

Middlewich now have a week off before returning to action on April 5 at home to Barnton.

Meanwhile next week Knutsford and Barnton take on fellow high fliers Poynton and Styal.