Witton Albion 2 Ilkeston Town 1

TWO super goals gave Witton vertical take at Wincham Park on Saturday.

From ground level ordinary suddenly they were soaring again.

The points kept second placed Fleetwood at comparitively low altitude as well completing the double over Ilkeston and stretching their 100% league run at home to 12 matches.

Witton paraded new centre forward Tony Evans, signed from Skelmersdale United, where he has scored 23 goals this term.

He deputised for Adam Warlow, who was ill, and he struggled in the main to find his feet at the higher level. There were some good aspects to his game but his two chances of glory escaped him.

Ilkeston were the better side in the first half, especially early on. Jon Kennedy’s third minute save from Lee Featherstone did not settle them, though Mark Peers did go close.

They were unable to play incisively until a surge towards the box by Liam Brownhill was dangerous until Liam Powell hit him with a painful tackle high and late just outside the box and he could easily have been sent off.

The visitors went in front in 35 minutes when Ian Kearney was holding off John Douglas to allow the ball to run to Kennedy. Somehow the goalkeeper did not get a clean grip. He and Kearney seemed to get in each other’s way allowing the grateful Douglas to sort out the muddle from close range.

Peers rammed home the equaliser, a superb bottom corner of the net shot following a typical dart past three defenders, in the 55th minute.

It inspired Witton to much better things, at least for a while.

Rod Thornley brought James Lindley to a great save and had another half-chance and the keeper’s legs thwarted Evans’ attempts to finish the move off. Dave MacPherson headed over, but the pressure began to melt away and a draw looked likely until substitute Alex Brown hit the perfect 25 yarder into the top corner of the net after twice being involved in the build up.

WITTON: Kennedy; Coo (Pritchard 71), Kearney, Barras, Brownhill; Brodie (Brown 81), Lloyd, MacPherson (Rutter 84), Peers; Thornley, Evans.

Att: 470