CARL Macauley is proud of how far Witton Albion have come but knows there is work to do to make sure they are promoted to the Northern Premier League’s top-flight.

His side clinched a place in this Saturday’s promotion final, against Spalding United at Wincham Park, following a 1-0 victory against AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

“We deserved it,” he said afterwards.

“I predicted it would be tight, and I felt an odd goal might be enough.

“Their goalkeeper definitely worked harder than ours did, and ours was as solid a performance as we’ve put in.”

Rob Hopley skilfully guided Anthony Gardner’s pass over Rushden custodian Matt Finlay early in the second period.

Shortly afterwards, Diamonds midfielder Dan Quigley was sent off as punishment for a reckless challenge on Steven Tames.

It was a defining period in the game.

Macauley added: “Rob was brave, and it was a great finish.

“As for the sending off, you could see straightaway that the referee had made up his mind and not too many of their lads complained.

“Their manager felt it was a harsh decision at first, then it probably sunk in that it wasn’t a good tackle.

“We were already on top, and in front, but it helps of course to have an extra man.

“Fair play to them though, they kept on going until the end.”

Albion might have reached the interval two goals to the good if it hadn’t been for a pair of prodigious saves by Finlay.

First, he dived to his left to parry Tom Owens’ goal-bound header.

He went one better shortly afterwards when tipping Brad Bauress’ violent drive onto the crossbar.

Macauley said: “I don’t know how he kept out Brad’s shot!

“Half-time arrived at the wrong moment; they had tried to weather our storm, and their goalkeeper has kept them in the game.

“It was important we didn’t give them any encouragement at the start of the second half, particularly as they’d have been on a high from his saves.”