WITTON struggled on a pitch that nullified their passing style of football, although the Valerie Park surface was only partly to blame for the scoreline!

Albion were left to rue a first half penalty miss and a late defensive lapse which cost a share of the points.

For all of visitors’ early pressure Prescot’s Liam Kennedy went closest to opening the scoring, namesake John Kennedy’s one-handed diving save turning his left foot volley around the post.

On the half hour Rod Thornley was wrestled to the floor and despite Prescot protests referee McGill pointed directly to the spot. With first choice penalty taker Mark Peers mysteriously on the bench Tony Barras took responsibility, however his poorly taken attempt proved an easy save for Zak Hibbert.

Peers’ introduction midway through the second period looked like it may break the deadlock, the Witton winger drove a fierce left foot shot towards the top corner that was turned over the bar by Hibbert. From the ensuing corner Steve Brodie drove against the upright from close range.

Minutes later Witton paid the price for failing to convert their earlier opportunities. Ryan Wade toe-poked what turned out to be the winner, having worked himself into a gap between Albion’s two central defenders.

Forced to avoid the Valerie Park deck, an uncharacteristic high ball over the defence came close to producing an immediate equaliser. A defensive header over the advancing Hibbert put substitute Tony Evans through on goal but the Albion striker could only find the side netting from a tight angle.

Team; Kennedy, Kearney, Barras (C), Pritchard, Brownhill, Lloyd (Peers), Brown, MacPherson, Brodie (Coo), Warlow (Evans), Thornley.