MIDDLEWICH Town ended 2021 in disappointing fashion.

They were defeated 1-0 by 10-man Lostock Gralam in a Cheshire League Premier Division home derby at Seddon Street on Monday.

The Grey Lambs had Kyle Phipps sent off early in the second half and then took the lead with a decent finish from Brad West, though Witches bosses felt it was a 'soft goal' to concede and then their players did not do enough to force an equaliser.

Middlewich are aware they have work to do in the new year in readiness for the Mid-Cheshire FA Cup semi-final clash with Winnington Avenue 94 Reserves on Saturday, January15.

The Witches currently hold down 11th spot with five wins and five draws from 18 games, though they have played between three and seven games more than the sides around them.

Elsewhere, 1874 Northwich's festive game away to Warrington Rylands was postponed for Covid-19 reasons.

Witton Albion, following four consecutive postponements going back to November, were defeated 4-1 at home by Warrington Town in the Northern Premier League.

And Northwich Victoria, depleted through Covid-19, injuries, work commitments and exits, scrambled a team together to visit Avro where they lost 2-1 in the North West Counties League Premier Division.