WITH sole emphasis of finishing in the top 13, news that teams in positions 14 to 18 all lost was even better news than the point they picked up on the east coast on Saturday.

Missing Brian Pritchard (holiday), Darrell Dicken (flu) and Mike Yates (unavailable), Albion were already weakened and they arrived at windswept Bridlington at 2.15pm after a three-and-a-half-hour journey of delays and tedium.

And with fewer than five minutes played, they then conceded a goal.

Lively Bridlington forward Phil Harrison ran the ball a full 50 yards before laying it off to his right, where fellow forward Jamie Richards was able to take a couple of steps before firing home into the roof of the net.

Albion, though, came back with all guns blazing. Simon Burton, on his return to the club, caused problems for Town's keeper Chris Hill and very nearly capitalised as Hill made a mess of gathering an off-target low shot from Alex Kevan. But the keeper managed to push the ball away from the in rushing Burton for a corner.

Two minutes later, Witton were level. With 23 minutes on the clock, Hill made a hash of a free-kick, failing to get any great distance, and Mike Moseley took full advantage. Even though his 20-yard shot wasn't hit sweetly, it was still good enough to evade Hill and nestle in the far corner of the net, making it 29 goals for the season for the striker.

The threatened rain duly arrived midway through the second half and Town took advantage of the conditions at their backs by twice providing scary moments for the Albion, Paul Gibson coming to the rescue.

Moseley and Burton, who strived throughout to regain their previous understanding, were well checked by the Town's central defenders and it was to be substitute Craig Sargeson who came nearest to snatching a win. His goalbound shot was blocked when a desperate Andy Thompson stuck his leg out.

David Tickle, Burton and Simon Hughes could all be pleased with their performances. But it was John Stannard, only making his third start of the season, who shone brightest. His work-rate was phenomenal with his support to the rearguard particularly worthy of note.

WITTON: Gibson; Evans, Hughes, Furnival, Tickle; Foy, Kevan (Barlow 78), Stannard, Nolan (Salt 68); Moseley, Burton (Sargeson 81).

Att: 177 Star Man: John Stannard Next Best: Simon Hughes Team Rating: 3 Match rating: 3