WITTON played well enough in the first half - and remained untroubled thereafter on Monday - to register their fourth successive victory in the UniBond League and suggest they should win the forthcoming President's Cup final against the same opponents.

Three of Albion's four home debutants, midfielder Anton Lally from Runcorn, left-back Ian Latham (Chester City) and darting forward Danny Byrne from Leigh RMI, were especially impressive.

Goalkeeper Jon Kennedy, on loan from Accrington, was untested throughout, which highlights how far ex-Northwich Vics front-runners Chris Ward and Peter Wright have slipped.

It was a spring-like performance by Witton in the first half. Having done his homework well, manager Gary Finley

opted for an adventurous 3-4-3 formation and his courage should have been rewarded with further goals.

Mike Moseley was bettered by goal-keeper Andy Banks and Lee Spike was a fraction too slow to meet a cross from his fellow forward, which delayed the opener until the 10th minute.

Nick Horne, under pressure from Spike, made a mistake deep inside the box and Byrne controlled and turned the ball home from close range.

Lally and Moseley twice went close before the second goal on the verge on half-time. Horne again erred, turning carelessly to find Moseley behind him, and Albion's leading scorer drilled his shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Spike, who blasted a Byrne corner against the bar, came closest to scoring in a largely uneventful second half. ALBION: Kennedy; Farley, Pritchard, Latham; Baker (Yates 73), Byrne, Lally (King 80), Foy, Stannard; Moseley, Spike. Att: 270 Star Man: Anton Lally gave midfield strength. Next Best: Danny Byrne Team Rating: 3 Match Rating: 2 nAlbion make an 'L' of a push for the play-off places at Leek and Lincoln.

Boss Gary Finley made a rush of late signings to see Witton through to the end of the season and cover for the injury absence of Gary Furnival, who has a broken ankle, and Gareth Evans.

Witton are at Leek tomorrow (7.45pm) and Lincoln United on Saturday, returning to Wincham Park on Monday for the visit of Guiseley (7.45pm).