WITTON were bounced to the top of the UniBond League on Saturday and look down at the likes of Telford and Burscough, whose results put extra spring into Albion's leap on Saturday.

Swirling conditions and Radcliffe's notorious sloping pitch spoiled Albion's passing game but they won by virtue of hard work and diligence rather than style.

Even so Albion's goals were top drawer.

They dominated the opening 15 minutes thought the first chance fell to Radcliffe and Jon Kennedy saved smartly at the base of a post from Jamie Miller.

Steve Connors brought home 'keeper Tim Dittmer into action for the first time and in the 19th minute Albion took the lead.

Crosby referee Richard Ackers did well to spot Scott Wilson tugging his former team-mate Ian Kearney's shirt.

Mark Peers took the free kick just inside the touchline and aimed the ball to the far post, where Brian Pritchard duly applied the header across Dittmer and into the net. It was his fourth goal in five league games.

Witton's attack then took over. Peers shot straight at Dittmer, who also clutched a windblown Connors effort under the bar before alertly denying the same player again before the break.

Downhill after the interval, Albion needed to show greater ball control, which was not lost on Griff Jones in the 57th minute though his shot was poor.

Soon after, Kennedy saved well as Ian Fitzpatrick proved Borough were not beaten yet although they banked heavily on the long ball.

Manager Jim Vince gave Albion fresh impetus in the 68th minute bringing Ross Clegg on and giving striker Nick Farquarson, on loan from Crewe Alex, his debut. Attacks came with more frequency, but it was the later introduction of Mike Moseley which clinched the match.

He showed all, in double quick time, what was required and two minutes from normal time he had past two defenders, lost possession but quickly retrieved the ball, got fouled in the process, but still got a pass into the box to Ross Cle gg.

Looking up the midfielder produced an exquisitely executed curling shot into the top-left hand corner of the net that prompted glorious celebrations both on and off the pitch.

Needless to say the celebrations were even louder and stronger among Witton's 150 following once news had come through of results elsewhere.

WITTON: Kennedy; Kearney, Pritchard, Barras, Hockenhull; Peers (Clegg 68), Lloyd, Brown, Connors; Warlow (Farquarson 68), Jones (Moseley 83).

Attendance: 283.

Star Man: Brian Pritchard, hero back and front.

Next Best: Steve Connors.

Team Rating: 3.

Match Rating: 3.