Having already beaten their North Yorkshire opponents twice, with 1-0 league and FA Trophy away wins, Witton picked up another three points after a 2-0 win over Whitby Town at a sun-soaked Wincham Park, a result which elevates Albion into 8th position in the Evostik NPL league standings.

It was a strong performance from the hosts who, despite Whitby hitting the woodwork shortly before half time, looked in control of the game from start to finish.

Carl Macauley made two changes to the side which beat Matlock Town on the road last time out. Anthony Gardner was missing through illness while Ben Harrison has completed his loan and returned to Altrincham. Into the side came Billy Smart and Matty Devine, with Cesaire Lingouba lining up at right back.

The visitors did start brightly and had a couple of efforts in the opening exchanges. Bradley Fewster had a shot deflected away for a corner and the resultant set piece saw Greg Rutherford head goalwards only for Greg Hall to turn the ball around the post.

But it was Witton who opened the scoring on 10 minutes. James Foley cut inside the penalty area and was brought down by Kieran Weledji. The referee pointed to the spot, with Foley dusting himself down and stroking the ball home for his 16th goal of the season, his 11th from the spot!.

Albion pressed forward to try and extend their advantage with Danny McKenna firing over the crossbar and Lewis Doyle shooting wide from distance.

Whitby came back into the game towards the end of the first half with Dale Hopson the key man. He fired narrowly over from distance before hitting the woodwork with the last kick of the first 45 minutes.

At the beginning of the second period, Whitby goalkeeper Jack Norton made a couple of good saves to deny efforts from Foley and Tom Owens as Witton were out to double their lead.

The second goal finally came on 68 minutes when a lovely through ball found Rob Hopley bearing down on goal and the skipper coolly placed the ball past Norton to give Albion a two-goal cushion at the same time bringing him back level with Foley on 16 goals for the campaign.

Greg Hall made a smart save to deny an effort from distance before Witton resumed their control and McKenna fired wide before Hopley saw an effort fly just over the crossbar from distance.

But they had to settle for just the two goals and another clean sheet, the 16th valid league clean sheet of the season (minus two against North Ferriby United). Next up, a trip to promotion-chasing Warrington Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Witton Albion: Hall; Lingouba, Devine, Wardle, Offord, Smart, McKenna, Owens, Hopley, Doyle, Foley (Abadaki 83’). Subs not used: Jones, Humphreys & Neild. Booking: Lingouba (Handball)

Whitby Town: Norton; McWilliams, Sukar, Scott (Smith 46’), Weledji, White, Rowe, Patton (Coffey 46’), Fewster (McTiernan 46’), Rutherford, Hopson. Subs not used: Gell & Dixon. Bookings: Weledji & Rowe (Fouls)

Many Thanks to KARL BROOKS PHOTOGRAPHY & VIJAY ANTHWAL for the photographs & Video Clips