WITTON emulated their best team of modern times on Humberside on Saturday when they matched the opening day score of their championship winning team in 1990-91.

But as that game was at home, Saturday's performance was arguably better still.

With a little help from their friends at Crewe Alex Witton overcame an injury crisis to thrash a Ferriby side beaten in last season's play-offs.

Borrowed 19-year-old striker Adam Warlow blasted two goals on his debut as Witton made manager Jim Vince's pre-season pledge to give value for money seem understated.

Twice in the opening few minutes Mark Peers and Mike Moseley both went close to scoring twice - a sort of repeated threat of what Ferriby were in for.

It was to be the switching of wings for Peers and Chris Gaghan that eventually brought about the flow of goals.

On 21 minutes a Tony Barras free kick along the ground arrived at Peers' feet on the half-way line.

The winger took off and beat two men before finding Warlow who checked to his left and produced an expert finish.

After 32 minutes, Peers outstripped hapless full-back Mike Price and tucked his 15-yard shot from a Moseley lay-off inside the far post.

Albion were now rampant and two minutes later scored again when Steve Connors joined a cutting move and passed to Warlow, who shot home across goalkeeper Antoni Pecara.

Moseley clanged a post shortly after and Witton survived a rare home attack when Darren Hock-enhull cleared off his line.

Any chance of a Ferriby comeback was crushed on 54 minutes when Connors intelligently found Gaghan in space and he drew Pecara before squaring the ball to Moseley for an easy finish.

It was the end of the scoring, but not the entertainment for the travelling fans as Warlow tried to complete his hat-trick.

Gaghan worked openings and then delayed his shots and Connors and Alex Brown tried their luck from long range.

Late in the game Jon Worsnop pulled off a great save from Gary Bradshaw to take his share of the glory in an impressive day on the banks of the Humber.

WITTON: Worsnop; Spearritt; Pritchard, Barras, Hockenhull; Peers (Brown Alistair 85), Brown Alex, Connors (Jones M. 76), Gaghan; Moseley, Warlow (Hendricks 73).

Star Man: Mark Peers, fleet footed menace.

Next Best: Adam Warlow. Team Rating: 5. Attendance: 208.

Match Rating: 3.