NANTWICH Town slipped further down the Evo-Stik Premier Division after recording their fifth draw in eight matches against fellow mid-table side Ashton United at the Weaver Stadium.

Their hopes of reaching the play-off places may have long since faded, but Jimmy Quinn's Dabbers still have silverware to play for as they prepare for their Cheshire Senior Cup semi final away at Macclesfield Town on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

But first they continue their battle against mid-table obscurity when they travel to 14th place Matlock Town in the league on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Dabbers will head in to both matches safe in the knowledge that goalkeeper Jon Brain has pledged his future to the club, after the former Macclesfield, Port Vale and Walsall stopper signed a two-year contract extension this week.

Nantwich manager Quinn is thankful they have been able to keep hold of a player of Brain's quality, after he turned down offers from clubs ranked higher in the non-league structure.

He said: "This is excellent news and provides us with the foundation to build for an exciting and successful campaign next season.

“In my opinion Jon is the best keeper in the league and the fact that he is prepared to commit his immediate future to us shows the belief he has in the club, it's supporters and our ambitions."

The club received a further vote of confidence this week after being asked to host England's under 18s training sessions at the Weaver Stadium ahead of the youngster's friendly match with Poland on Wednesday.

This is added to the news that Dabbers will also host FA Women’s Premier Reserve League Cup Final at the Weaver Stadium on Sunday, kick off 12 noon.

Arsenal Ladies and Everton Ladies face off at the stadium for the second time in three years after Arsenal pipped their blue-nose rivals to the title in Nantwich two years ago. Admission is free.

Nantwich Town chairman Jon Gold said: "To host an England team is a great honour for the club and testimony to the quality of pitch and all round facilities that we have here at the Weaver Stadium."

"This is also the second occasion we’ve hosted a Final for The Football Association and look forward to welcoming supporters of the women’s game."