Hednesford Town 2 Witton Albion 0
PROMOTION-CHASING Hednesford proved too strong for a battling Witton side running low on confidence.
On 14 minutes keeper Greg Smith saved Garry Burke’s blushes by pulling off a great save following the defender’s poor back pass. But the Witton stopper could not keep out Tyrone Barnett’s drive after Mark Drew’s attempted clearance was blocked by Town’s Elliott Durrell.
Witton hit back immediately and lone striker Lee Thompson chipped keeper Brock only for his effort to be ruled out by an offside flag.
Smith continued to be Albion’s saviour with a string of double saves as the Pitmen continued to dominate affairs at Keys Park.
Any hopes Witton had of salvaging a surprise point were dashed on 58 minutes when the referee pointed to the spot following a challenge from Burke. Ross Dyer fired home the penalty despite Smith getting a hand to it.
New signing from Nantwich Town Nick Linford replaced Mark Drew and in the final 15 minutes, Albion had chances through Ross Thaker and Dan Schwartz.
But it was not to be as Nigel Deeley’s men left the Midlands empty handed with Witton without a win in the league since September 2 when they defeated Ilkeston 2-0.
Witton: G Smith; Donnelly, Scott, Pritchard, Schwarz; Burke, Dunne, Drew, Thompson, Thaker, S Smith. Subs: N Smith; Goulbourne, Linford, McGraw, Millington.
Attendance: 401.
Match rating: 3/5.
