Witton Albion 1 Colwyn Bay 0

WITTON ignored off-field unrest to get their group stage campaign off to a wining start against UniBond Premier opposition.

Albion attacked virtually from the kick-off and almost scored in the first minute when Mark Hawkes headed narrowly wide from Davd Anane's cross.

But it was Hawkes who pounced to score what turned out to be the winner in the 27th minute.

Anane's initial stab at the ball was parried by Colwyn Bay keeper Paul Smith and Hawkes was on hand to sweep the ball into the net.

Deniol Graham was denied an equalizer by a good Greg Price save after 34 minutes, but it was Albion who stayed on top going into the second half.

New signing from Leek Town Scott Williams whipped in crosses from both the left and right, but Anane and Mike Moseley both wasted their chances.

Home keeper Price won the man of the match award by shutting out the visitors, his best save coming from Craig Lawtion at point blank range 14 minutes from time.

Witton are back in UniBond Division One action next Tuesday with a visit to Belper Town (7.45pm), unless there are FA Cup replays for either side.

Witton: Price, Staley, Simms, Pritchard, Birdsey, Jones, Hawkes (Heywood 70), Rendell, Anane, Moseley, Williams. Att: 165.