Bell is brilliant for Witches (From Northwich Guardian)

Middlewich Town storm to opening day success at former champions Styal

12:00pm Monday 16th August 2010 in Football By Andrew Simpson

MARTIN Bell’s hat-trick fired Middlewich Town to the Division One summit on the season’s opening day as they stormed to victory at former champions Styal.

The Witches controlled the contest from the start.

But they had to wait until the first half’s finishing point before taking the lead, Owen Ellis firing home from the edge of the penalty area following fine work by Jay Collins.

Bell opened his account early in the second half with a spectacular volley, again from a Collins assist.

Craig Millington and then Bell again had chances to increase the visitors’ lead before Dave Parr’s men settled the outcome when the latter blazed in from distance on 70 minutes.

Millington missed again, then Bell completed his treble with a head from Collins’ cross as Middlewich sent out a message to their Division One title rivals.

But Town manager Dave Parr refused to get too carried away afterwards.

“It’s a long season and there will be setbacks along the way,” he said.

“I felt it was important for us to get off to a good start and I thought we played some great stuff at times, plus our finishing was top drawer.”

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Town Shaw (GK), Parr, Morris, Shakeshaft, Tebb, Brown, O’Sullivan, Bell, Collins, Ellis, Millington
Subs not used Snowden, Brown