Albion twice pegged back by Stafford Rangers

Witton Albion led twice but had to settle for a solitary point from a hard-fought contest against Stafford Rangers.

Goals from Billy Smart, one in each half, had twice put Albion ahead, but a brave effort from the visitors drew the game level on both occasions.

The home side had a couple of early opportunities on goal, Tom Owens firing wide while James Foley's long-range effort was straight at Rangers goalkeeper Jonathon Brown.

Smart broke the deadlock on 15 minutes. Josh Wardle helped the ball on with a high ball into the penalty area and the Albion midfielder took a touch before slotting home past Brown with a tidy finish.

The visitors began to come into the game more as the half grew on, with Joe Cuff testing Chris Renshaw in the Witton goal with a free-kick from distance, before Bradley Grayson turned past Wardle but hit his shot wide of the target.

Tall striker Brandon Diau levelled the game at 1-1 on 38 minutes. A ball played in from the left found the striker and he sent a controlled effort past Renshaw into the net.

It was the visitors who started the second half on top and Diau was close to a second only to see his header fly over the crossbar from close range.

On 54 minutes, Witton restored their advantage with a superb strike. A cross into the box was half cleared and fell nicely for Smart who rifled a sweetly struck volley into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Another goal of the season contender.

Stafford kept plugging away and got back level 14 minutes later when Jon Moran fired home from close range following a hotly disputed corner awarded to the visitors.

Diau again missed the target from close range, while Isaac Baldwin hit a free kick over the crossbar in the latter stages of the game, as both teams had to settle for a point apiece.

Albion move on to an away game at Ashton United next weekend, still sitting in seventh position in the BetVictor NPL standings.