Newton-le-Willows Reserves continued their strong start to the season with a deserved 2–1 victory over Middlewich Town Reserves, as first-half goals from Ethan Appleby and Jordan Dunne capped a performance in which Newton created the better chances throughout.

Ethan Appleby was involved early, first volleying over after a defensive clearance dropped kindly on the edge of the box before seeing another effort comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper.

Newton continued to press. Kristian Rapson tested the keeper from a free-kick, while Louie Rowlands caused repeated problems down the right, twice delivering dangerous crosses into the Middlewich area.

The breakthrough finally arrived on 31 minutes. A long clearance from Lewis Wilson released Rowlands down the right and his cross found Appleby in the box. Appleby took a touch to wrong-foot the keeper before finishing calmly into the bottom corner.

Middlewich had offered little going forward and their first real effort did not arrive until the 41st minute, with a shot from the edge of the area going over.

Newton then doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time. Alex Peplow’s long ball was not dealt with by the Middlewich defence and fell into the path of Jordan Dunne, who composed himself before finishing well past the goalkeeper.

The hosts continued to control proceedings after the break, with Dunne and Appleby both testing the keeper as Newton looked for a third.

Middlewich pulled one back on 76 minutes when a midfielder was given space on the edge of the box and found the net, but Newton continued to carry the greater threat.
Joe Sigsworth almost restored the two-goal advantage five minutes later, beating two defenders before seeing his shot cleared off the line, while Peplow also went close late on.
Middlewich had one final opportunity from a free-kick deep into stoppage time, but the effort sailed well over and Newton were able to see out a deserved victory.

The 2–1 scoreline was arguably closer than the overall balance of play suggested, with Newton creating the clearer and more frequent chances throughout the game.