Witton through to final (From Warrington Guardian)

Witton through to final

THIS replay got underway at the second attempt and, perhaps unfortuately for Congleton, the weekend's game against Guiseley left Witton with something to prove.

And prove it they did by attacking the home side from the first whistle to the last seconds, creating numerous chances throughout the match.

Such was Witton's desire to go forward that they created two good opportunities within the first three minutes.

In the first minute Dave Nolan had his effort kicked off the line for the second match on the run and just two minutes later Michael Yates fired a shot just wide of the target.

This continued throughout the first half with Witton going close without actually taking the lead.

The best opportunity of the half fell to Darrell Dicken after 17 minutes.

The midfielder collected the ball from Yates and hit a fierce shot which former Northwich Vics keeper Matt Conkie did well to beat away.

Six minutes later Yates had another chance to give Albion the lead but his effort was forced out for a corner by the full back.

The second half began in the same manner with Witton the most eager to push forward and make somehting happen.

And they were almost rewarded when Dicken put the ball in the back of the net but his effort was ruled out for off-side.

Prior to this Yates had the best opportunity to put Witton in front but his goal-bound effort struck Ben Kay and was diverted for a corner which came to nothing.

Yates again went close on 83 minutes, but instead of unleashing a shot tried to place the ball and Conkie was able to save at the far post.

Conkie also denied Craig Sargeson before Dicken nearly stole the match just before the end of 90 minutes but his shot flew well wide.

As the game moved into extra time Witton were reduced to 10 men with the sending off of Simon Hughes for a second bookable offence.

But they kept going and were rewarded with a penalty in the 113th minute.

Dougie Pitts was adjudged to have brought down Yates and the striker picked himself up to score from the spot past Conkie.