WITTON took the lead against the flow but did not turn the tide, at Wincham Park on Monday.

However the season's mission has been accomplished - Witton cannot finish out-side the top 13 and will operate in the UniBond Premier Division next season.

Though there were some good moments from Albion, Lincoln were the better side.

It seemed nearly every Witton move ended after one or two passes and then they had to start again.

Injuries to Simon Hughes and Dave Tickle helped undo Witton at the back and they did not have a spare defender on the bench. They had to introduce forwards and reshuffle.

Lincoln had threatened with a series of crosses and headers before Albion took a 37th minute lead. Adam Foy found Craig Sargeson wide on the right and his sharp low cross was deflected by Ben Brown away from goalkeeper Nick Conroy for Andy Barlow to sweep into the net.

Barlow had to step immediately into the back line when Hughes limped off.

Lincoln were level at 63 minutes when Jonty Hawley's cross arced in front of Paul Gibson for Paul Miller to convert and, on 75 minutes, Gary Walters showed good control and sidestep before applying a crisp bottom corner finish.

Witton then had their best chances, Mike Moseley stinging Conroy's fingers and setting up Simon Burton for what should have been an equaliser but actually cleared the bar, before Ian Williams glanced home Gary Bull's free kick in the final minute. WITTON: Gibson; Salt, Hughes (Dicken

37), Furnival, Tickle (Burton 70); Yates, Foy, Barlow, Nolan; Moseley, Sargeson. Att: 283 Star Man: Gary Furnival, got better as pressure grew.

Next Best: Andy Barlow Team Rating: 2 Match Rating: 3

ALBION are at home tomorrow (Thursday, 7.45pm) against Congleton Town in the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final. The winners meet Northwich Vics in a final which may be held next season.

John Davison's side travel to Stocks-bridge Park Steel on Saturday.