Whaley made hard work of their final home game of the season on Bank Holiday Monday, limping to a 2-1 victory over bottom side Middlewich Town.

Goals either side of half-time from Joe Burgess and Dan Christie ensured the win but Whaley were well under par and failed to put their lowly opposition to the sword, squandering a number of good opportunities.

After consecutive 1-1 draws against Eagle and Knutsford, Whaley were determined to return to winning ways in their final home game of the season and almost went ahead early on when Dan Whelan’s looping cross hit the cross bar before being cleared.

The home side were well in control for the majority of the half but lapses of concentration threatened to derail what should have been a routine performance and James Tattersall was forced to save smartly at his near post with the scores still level.

Joe Burgess put Whaley ahead after 25 minutes when Middlewich failed to clear a corner and the winger lashed in the loose ball.

The rest of the half was a frustrating affair for the home side as Middlewich’s industrious midfield endeavoured to smother Whaley’s creativity.

The second half followed a similar trend with Whaley dominating possession but failing to put the game beyond doubt.

The ever-solid Rob Newton and flashes of brilliance from Will Bailey were bright sparks in an otherwise lacklustre second half display which saw the hosts miss a number of chances.

Ray Dwolitka headed against the post but nobody reacted to the rebound and Colin Moss saw his header beaten away by the goalkeeper shortly afterwards.

Substitute Jack Gregory provided composure in the centre of the park but missed the target with his own close range header.

Whelan and Dwolitka exchanged passes on the edge of the box before the full back saw his left-footed shot saved by the goalkeeper and moments later George Burgess created space for himself in the box but his shot lacked the required venom to trouble the ‘keeper.

Whaley eventually doubled their advantage when top scorer Christie headed home Gregory’s driven cross for his 16th of a fruitful campaign.

The best moment of the game came courtesy of the visitors who were rewarded for a battling display when a powerful 25 yard drive from their number 10 flew into the top corner leaving Tattersall rooted to the spot.

Whaley held on to take all three points which means they only require a point in their final game against Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds to secure an impressive fourth placed finish.

The reserves were also victorious on Bank Holiday Monday defeating Middlewich Town reserves 2-0 thanks to a Ben Lomas brace and remain on course for the title.

Team: Tattersall, Walker (Gemmell), Newton, Moss, Whelan, J Burgess (Brown), Sutton, G Burgess (Gregory) Bailey, Christie, Dwolitka

Man of the Match: Rob Newton