BOSS Jim Vince was delighted with Witton Albion's performance in their 3-1 defeat at Northwich Vics.

'I thought we were fantastic, the best team in the first half and we had a real go later on,' said Vince.

'At the start of the second half Vics showed their class, but overall - against some great players from two standards higher who have the top manager in a marvellous stadium and maybe 10 times the wage bill we have - we did well.

'Our players had only had 45 minutes action. My objective was to give a good account of ourselves and we did that.

'In the final third we need to do better and some small questions arose about certain areas and how we can improve things.'

Vince, who has an overlarge squad, says he will release two players at tomorrow night's training. But he will need to trim further as he aims for a squad of 18 by the August 19 kick-off.

By then 10 of his squad will be on contracts.

Ex-Crewe midfielder Alisatair Brown this week became player number eight to tie himself to the club and, Vince, says, there will be two more soon.

'I want a squad that will be competitive and because of the quality of players we have I see the contracts as a way of protecting our assets. It makes a statement - no-one can come and pinch them.

Albion, who were at Nantwich last night, host Barrow on Saturday (3pm) and next Tuesday welcome a Manchester City XI to Wincham Park.

Their pre-season programme began with a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic U19s on Thursday, Carl Frost scored.