RUTHLESS Witton boss Nigel Deeley has wielded the axe and cast three trialists aside after two pre-season defeats in a row.

The Albion manager described his side’s performance away at Ramsbottom United on Saturday as “awful”, and has told the trio they have no future at Wincham Park after the 3-1 defeat.

“Defensively we were poor and we lacked quality all round,” he said. “But the game was arranged so I could have a look at the trialists and there are still three I want to have another look at.”

The trio – a centre-midfielder, a winger and a right-back – have been given two more games to impress.

Witton travelled to Trafford last night and head to Congleton on Saturday.

Deeley told the Chronicle that despite the setback at Ramsbottom and a 2-1 defeat last Tuesday at Newcastle Town, he is confident his squad is “getting there”.

“We played some good stuff against Newcastle,” he said.

“We missed too many chances but our approach play was excellent at times. It’s taking time and there’s still a away to go but we’re getting there.

“I’m looking now to tighten up the nuts and bolts and get as near to our starting eleven as possible for our last friendly against Man City on August 12, and I’m doing some work on bringing in another forward.”