Narrow defeat at Morpeth

In the first game for four weeks, Witton Albion were defeated 3-2 away at Morpeth Town.

Albion came from behind on two occasions, but were unable to capitalise on a man advantage in the second half as the North East side secured the three points with a third goal midway through the second half.

Recent signings Tyrone Duffus and James Hooper finally made their Witton debuts, delayed after the recent postponements, while Nick Ryan came into the side at the heart of the defence and Kyle Sambor led the line up front.

The hosts made a perfect start, taking the lead after just eight minutes when Sean Taylor fired past Chris Renshaw in the Albion goal.

There were chances at both ends before Witton got themselves back on level terms, Isaac Baldwin firing home with a low shot for his second goal in a Witton shirt.

Further chances came and went before Morpeth had a great opportunity to go in at the break with a goal advantage, after the referee gave them a spot-kick after Cesaire Lingouba was adjudged to have fouled inside the penalty area.

Chris Renshaw was the hero, though, saving the penalty and sending the sides in at 1-1 for the half time interval.

It wasn't long into the second half until the hosts restored their lead, as Taylor netted his second of the game from close range.

Albion kept going forward and debutant James Hooper equalised seven minutes later after receiving a through ball from Danny McKenna to get his Witton goalscoring account off the mark.

On 63 minutes, the home side were reduced to 10 men after Wayne Phillips was shown a red card, but a couple of minutes later, their advantage was regained as Stephen Forster fired past Renshaw.

Witton pressed for a third equaliser but it wasn't to be as Morpeth held on to take maximum points.

Albion turn their attentions to the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup on Tuesday night, with a semi-final tie against 1874 at Wincham Park, 7:45pm kick-off.

WITTON ALBION: Renshaw, Duffus, Baldwin, Wardle, Ryan, Smart, Lingouba, McKenna, Sambor, Hooper, Foley.
SUBS: Owens, Booth, Byrne, Neild.