NORTHWICH Victoria did not need to be at their best to reach the competition’s last four.

Their winning margin was harsh on their neighbours.

Andy Preece’s men, ranked five divisions higher than their Cheshire League visitors, were ahead on seven minutes when Jon Newby slid Luke Horrock’s defence-splitting pass under Town keeper Matty Knowles.

It marked his first goal for the club.

He should have added a second soon afterwards, but failed to make contact with the ball in front of goal after Wayne Riley sent a swerving centre in his direction.

The Witches fired a warning at the other end, Jay Collins skidding a shot inches past the far post after ghosting into the penalty area.

Northwich, fielding no fewer than four players from the start for the first time, struggled to find any cohesion.

They were able relax at the break though after Stephen Vaughan’s shot took a decisive deflection to leave Knowles with no chance of preventing a second goal.

Middlewich’s custodian capped a night to forget three minutes into the second half when he allowed Declan Edwards’ weak free kick to squirm from his grasp and over the line.

One of Vics’ debutants, wing man Sean Taylforth, forced the Witches’ number one to save smartly soon afterwards after Harry Winter sent the ball into his path.

Edwards limped off after a hefty challenge by Paul Wordley, his replacement Jonny Allan scoring for the first time in four matches.

Vics, watched by Witton Albion manager Gary Finley, finished their finest movement of the match when Allan steered Newby’s assist home after Winter had carved open Town’s rearguard.

Cayne Hanley, another on as a sub, headed Newby’s cross past Knowles on the whistle.

Vics Spencer (GK), Richards, Kerr, Broadhead, Horrocks, Winter, Vaughan, Riley (Hanley 65), Edwards (Allan 74), Newby, Taylforth
Subs not used Bailey, Ryan Brown, Herring
Goal Newby 7, Vaughan 43, Edwards 48, Allan 83, Hanley 90

Middlewich Knowles (GK), Parr, Tebb, Snowden, McNally, Hurst (Bell 76), Lowe, Morris (Ellis 81), Collins, Wordley, Benali (Tomkinson 78)
Subs not used Berry, Hannon

Referee Andrew Worthington
Attendance Not announced