Joy at last as table is turned in Yorkshire

GARY Finley has spoken of his relief after his new-look Witton Albion side won their first league match since September 2, at play-off chasing Bradford Park Avenue.

Saturday’s shock 2-0 win at the Horsfall Stadium ended Witton’s 11-match losing streak and was the Albion manager’s first since taking over the job last month.

Despite the victory, Witton are still bottom of the league but another three points this weekend could be good enough to see them leapfrog the bottom four positions.

Boss Finley said: “Bradford’s fans were coming up to us after the game and couldn’t believe that was the same side that went on such a bad run.

“But the great thing was that we didn’t go there and nick two goals in the end, we actually dominated the game and could have scored more.

“It is a big monkey off our back to get the first win. We are not counting our chickens though. It is coming together slowly but there’s more hard work to do.

“Confidence is beginning to come back in the squad but we must keep instilling the players with that belief.”

Albion unveiled four new signings at Bradford (see back page) and one of Finley’s recent captures opened the scoring.

Neil Black, a striker signed from Colwyn Bay, opened his account for Witton on 41 minutes and another new arrival Paul Booth, from Leigh Genesis, scored five minutes after the break, bundling the ball past ex-Albion keeper Jon Worsnop.

Albion could have scored two more but Lee Thompson’s late penalty was saved and Mark Smyth hit the post.