Witton adrift in the Lakes (From Warrington Guardian)

Witton adrift in the Lakes

NETHERFIELD 1

WITTON ALBION 0

UniBond Division One

Saturday, February 27

MANY of the 30 Witton fans who made the trip to Netherfield must have experienced strong feelings of deja-vu.

Indeed, if you read the report on Albion's away defeat at Gretna two weeks ago you will share that same sensation in the next couple of minutes.

Because, like the Gretna defeat, Witton paid the ultimate price for failing to add a cutting edge to their game. For long periods they were camped in the home side's half but still contrived to lose the match.

Despite Witton's pressure, the home side should have taken the lead after just six minutes. A high ball into the vicious swirling wind caught out Phil McGing, who droped the ball under pressure. It fell to the feet of Steve Gill but his effort sailed over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

It was to be Kendal's last sight of goal for some time. But at the other end resolute defending and a lack of attacking width meant the visitors were restricted to long range efforts, which experienced 'keeper John Armfield dealt with easily.

On 19 minutes he produced the save of the match.

Lee Anderson received Neil Lloyd's pin-point pass in the area and rifled in a shot which the 'keeper tipped around the post brilliantly. Shortly after and a Charlie Boyd shot produced a similar stop.

They proved to be costly misses.

On 36 minutes the home side broke away quickly, a long cross field pass finding Brian Hatton in the Albion area.

He nodded the ball down for Marcus Thompson who knocked the ball beyond the exposed McGing from close range for a goal.

Shortly before the interval Brian Pritchard headed a deep Nigel Gleghorn cross inches over the bar, ensuring it remained 1-0 at the break.

Defender Wayne Johnson replaced the injured Danny Gee at the interval, but his pressence was of little consequence as Witton's goal was rarely under threat.

On the hour top scorer Mike Turner came off the bench.

He helped create some half-chjances, but it was full back Anderson who again had the best sight of goal, his effort from a Gleghorn forcing a save.

As the game drew to a close Anane saw a couple of chances go begging and Carter fired over the bar but, ironically, it was the home side who came the closest to scoring.

A dipping shot from Phil Brown went just over the bar with McGing seemingly beaten.

All in all, it was a disappointing start to Eddie Bishop's reign as caretaker manager.

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