He says that the senior team may be punching above their weight in their push for promotion from the Cheshire County League Division Two, but has backed them to go all the way.

Goulding told the Guardian the club is in the 'best position it's ever been' after the first team went down to only their second league defeat of the season at Irby on Saturday.

Goulding said: "We shouldn't forget what an incredible position the players have got themselves into."

Last season Middlewich escaped relegation on a technicality, but this time around they are in the hunt to go up with eight games still to play.

Goulding said: "Why shouldn't we be aiming high?

He picked out first team captain Richard Clorley as a reason for the turn around in fortune.

"He's been able to foster an incredible team spirit and togetherness," he said.

Clorley put in his best personal performance of the season at the weekend, hitting 90 before controversially being given out lbw with Middlewich in sight of victory.

A win and the maximum 25 points that come with it would have kept them in touch with leaders Upton.

Goulding said the club's success is made the more remarkable by the fact they don't have any overseas players, nor do the first team get paid.

He added: "Middlewich Cricket Club is kept alive by the parents who bring along their youngsters to play cricket.

"They are the future."

Indeed, Middlewich 1sts are predominantly made up of players who have been with the club since joining as juniors.

Goulding said: "That's our strength, and long may it continue."