Gateshead 0 Witton Albion 2

WITTON went 18 points clear of Gateshead and 11 in front of Fleetwood after a brilliant performance at the International Stadium on Wednesday.

Rod Thornley cracked a short agains the inside of a post in the first minute and it set a tone for the game Albion never allowed to drop.

Adam Warlow went close soon after.

Albion scored a goal in each half and soaked up whatever Gateshead could muster in reply, with Jon Kennedy’s handling superb.

They went ahead in the 20th minute when Liam Brownhill fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.

Paul Brayson had Gateshead’s best chance of the half but Kennedy fielded his shot easily.

The former Northwich Vics striker also went close shortly after the resumption but 10 minutes into the half Witton increased their lead and effectively clinched the points.

Dave MacPherson drove the ball in from 17 yards after a poss passing move.

Kennedy dealt well with a Jamie Harwood effort which might have inspired a Tynesiders’ rally, but it was to prove Witton’s only scare of the closing stages.