NANTWICH slipped further down the ECB Premier League after a home defeat to Didsbury.

Though relegation matters have already been settled, they will be disappointed if they don't reverse the trend after threatening mid-table earlier this month.

The visitors secured their success through one pivotal match-winning partnership.

French had given Nantwich the perfect start, bowling Slattery for a duck and then Burnett for 7 as they were in trouble at 17 for 2.

Pugsley (51) and Battye (58) replied in style with a stand of 93 before Shaikh dismissed the former.

Abeas added 20 before they were finally all out for 187.

In reply, Nantwich just couldn't cope with seamer Asif Majid whose 7-50 obliterated them for just 104.

Bentham was their top scorer with 21.

A trip to leaders Bowdon this Saturday doesn't appear the perfect fixture to stage a revival.