Witton Albion 0

Bradford Park Ave 2

NIGEL Gleghorn's Witton woe continued as they suffered their third defeat in a week at the hands of Bradford Park Avenue.

Dumped out of the FA Cup and the Cheshire Senior Cup earlier in the week, manager Gleghorn had hoped his side could bounce back in the league.

Both sides failed to impress in a scrappy first-half with chances few and far between, with Witton's rookie 'keeper Alan Minshall, a late replacement for injured Phil McGing, not having to make a save.

Witton had the upperhand but they couldn't capitalise on a number of half chances. Paul Hennin and Richard Carter both had good opportunities but both players' shots were comfortably gathered by Bradford's Gavin Kelly in goal.

Witton began the second-half with purpose and a Lee Cox cross from the left found Hennin, whose blocked shot fell perfectly for substitute Mark Cartner.

The 18-year-old former Knutsford Town player couldn't finish off the move and his shot was well saved by Kelly.

They continued to push and Cox was involved again as his cross was headed clear by Paul Marquis as Cartner challenged.

Bradford were fortunate to take the lead in the 59th minute when an attempted clearance by Minshall outside his area landed at Nicky Hey's feet.

He skillfully lobbed the retreating 'keeper from 40-yards to put the visitors in front.

Witton responded and Kelly tipped over excellent volleys from Carter and the mostly anonymous David Anane to keep the visitors ahead, but it was no surprise when they sealed the win nine minutes from time.

Jon Jones' neat pass just inside the Witton area found fellow substitute Joe Richardson who steered the ball past the advancing Minshall.

Witton: Minshall, Anderson (Bishop 72), Gleghorn, Pritchard, Gee, Carter, Bell (Cartner 45), Boyd, Hennin, Anane, Cox. MoM: Cox - running and crosses nearly found breakthrough. Ref:D Whitby (Liverpool) Att:308

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