By Oliver Shorland, photos by Ian Garnett
Nantwich Town fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Witton Albion on Boxing Day despite levelling things late on in the first half.
Both sides remained unchanged after victories against Bootle and Chasetown respectively.
The home side started the game in lively fashion with a flurry of chances in the opening exchanges.
The Albs’ early pressure was soon rewarded as they were able to hit the Dabbers on the break as Tom Hoyle poked home to make the score one nil.
Pressure continued as the home side sought to double their lead but the Nantwich Town defence was able to ride the remainder of Albion’s pressure in the opening 15.
James Baillie and Aidy Roxburgh were able to find a lot of space out wide as the first half progressed but their efforts would come to no avail.
The Dabbers continued to ramp up the pressure on Witton Albion as the half neared its conclusion, an in-swinging corner bounced around the box before falling to Alex Panter who tucked it away to continue his form in front of goal, scoring for the 4th game in a row.
It was Witton Albion once again who took the initiative early in the second half as a well worked attack saw Alfie Bairstow able to fire the ball into the bottom corner to reestablish the home side’s lead.
Just five minutes later the Albs were at it again, this time it was Joe Edwards slotting one past Ben Garratt in the Dabbers goal.
Chances for Jon Moran’s men were few and far between as they looked to find a way back into the contest.
In the 65th minute a Witton Albion player went down during a scramble in the box; the referee hesitated before pointing to the spot to award the Albs the chance to go three goals ahead and put the game out of reach. In the end it was handball that was the reason for the penalty.
Freddy Garbutt duly obliged, sending Garratt the wrong way and wrapping up the three points for his side.
The home side had several chances to make it five as the second half progressed, rattling the post on one occasion and firing just wide of the mark late on.
Nantwich substitute Joe Collins nearly gave Dabbers fans some joy late on but his effort was smothered.
The Dabbers will now hope to get back on track in their New Year’s Day home fixture against Stafford Rangers.
Teams
Witton Albion: Cameron Terry, Joel Bembo-Leta, Damola Sotona, James Lawrie, Jack Walls, Geffry Ebhote, Joe Edwards (Adam Bott, 85), Alfie Bairstow (Ben Lowe, 85), Joe Duckworth (C), Freddy Garbutt, Tom Hoyle (Deji Sotona, 76)
Substitutes not used: Aaron Fleming, Christy Edwards
Goals: Hoyle 8’, Bairstow 50′, J Edwards 55′, Garbutt 66′ (P)
Nantwich Town: Ben Garratt, Aidy Roxburgh, James Baillie (Perry Bircumshaw, 59), Josh Langley, Ben Hockenhull, Paddy Kennedy (George Cooper, 59), Paddy Jarrett (Byron Moore, 59), Joel Connolly (C), Byron Harrison (Joe Robbins, 83), Fenton Green (Joe Collins, 71), Alex Panter
Goal: Panter 43’
Attendance: 701