A FAMILIAR looking Witton were a match for their Conference North visitors on Saturday.

Centre-back Andy Watson, a North-wich Vics Reserve last season, was the only name in the starting line-up which did not make the teamsheet at some point last season.

Trialists Michael Owens, Stuart Tulloch, Mark Styles and Lee Naden, however, were on the subs' bench.

A mix-up between Andy Barlow and Watson let in Craig Wilding after eight minutes.

Albion drew level in the 16th minute. A thunderous 25-yard shot from Mike Moseley hit the woodwork but the rebound was met by Adam Foy, who struck it firmly home from 15 yards.

Several Rangers players received lectures from the referee throughout the match and it was to be from a free kick awarded in the 55th minute that Albion took the lead with Dave Nolan rising and heading home.

The remaining 35 minutes saw stand-in boss Peter King make seven changes and it looked like Witton would be recording a victory until, in the very last minute, Robert Heath gathered the ball on the left and curled it through a crowd of players and past the unsighted home goalkeeper.

Witton won 3-2 at Cammell Lairds in midweek.

Former Vics striker Ian Cooke put the newly-promoted North West Counties side in front in the first half, but Foy levelled after the break.

Carl Clampett restored Lairds' lead, but South Sefton trialist Owens headed Witton level again and Craig Sargeson scored the 89th-minute winner.

Leek Town 1, Northwich Vics 1

LEON McSweeney gave Vics a fifth-minute lead, but they failed to live up to such a bright start.

The trialist whipped around the home goalkeeper after being cleverly played in by Steve Garvey.

With newly-signed Mark Quayle leading the attack, Vics were hopeful of their first victory of the pre-season programme. Quayle was withdrawn at the interval and a procession of subs saw Vics use 21 players in all.

After Matt Whittaker headed Leek level 10 minutes into the second half, the chances of a Northwich win began to diminish.

Leek look well equipped for the UniBond Premier Division and are managed by legendary Northwich Vics boss of the 1970s, Paul Ogden, who is assisted by ex-Wittion manager Benny Phillips.

In his absence, however, another ex-Witton player and coach, Nigel Deeley, deputised while the club's chief scout is former director at Wincham Park and former Vics Reserves chief and player Wayne Porter.

Vics were held 1-1 at Congleton in midweek. Olsen scored a 47th-minute equaliser for the visitors.