WITTON ALBION 2

UniBond First Division

AN incident which wouldn't have been out of place on Question of Sport's 'What happened next?' feature gave Witton an unassailable lead at title-chasing Ashton.

The game erupted in controversy six minutes before half-time with Albion leading 1-0 through a stunning Nigel Gleghorn goal.

A fierce pass was hit out to the left wing where it struck linesman Darren Wright from Bradford full in the stomach and bounced into the path of Lee Cox.

The linesman got to his feet and followed the play as Cox dribbled to the by-line before centreing for David Anane to head home.

Referee Marbin from Sheffield, surrouned by furious Ashton players, allowed the goal to stand whilst linesman Wright collapsed in a heap.

A lengthy delay as a result of Mr Wright's injury merely fuelled the anger of the home side, making the second half a highly charged encounter which Witton survived impressively.

Phil McGing produced an exemplary display in the visitors' goal while Gary Cooley, returning to the first team, was admirably resolute in what was a difficult game.

It was a deserved and hard-fought win for Eddie Bishop's side, who showed great team spirit following Saturday's defeat.

Kevin Garforth acquitted himself well in his second game following his move from Congleton in a swap deal with Wayne Johnson. Whilst up front David Anane's makeshift striking partner Nigel Gleghorn produced a stunning volley which the player himself rated as his finest goal ever.

It came on 28 minutes. Garforth beat two defenders before playing the ball to Gleghorn, who was 25 yards out with his back to goal. He chipped the ball up and pivoted before firing an unstoppable volley beyond the Ashton 'keeper.

In the second half Witton's tireless defending denied the home side a host of chances but McGing was still called upon to make good saves from Mark Ceraolo. He was beaten by a 25 yard Steve Hollis free kick but it struck the underside of the crossbar and rebounded to safety.

Indeed, Nathan Comley-Excell, who was introduced to the action late on, had two glorious opportunities to double his tally for the club but was denied on both occasions.

Witton: McGing, Anderson, Cooley, Pritchard (c), Gee, Carter, Garforth (Comley-Excell 68), Boyd, Cox, Anane (Bishop 90), Gleghorn.

Att: 202. Ref: A Marbin (Sheffield), MoM: Phil McGing.

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