GOALKEEPER Ollie Martin was the hero as Witton Albion progressed to the second round of the Cheshire Senior Cup.

Jon Macken’s men looked to be bowing out against visiting North West Counties Division One South side Ashville on Tuesday until Mike Koral levelled matters at 1-1 in the 90th minute. Then Martin produced two excellent saves in the penalty shootout to save Witton’s blushes.

Harry McGee, Jesse Dowling and Cameron Fogerty all found the mark with their spot kicks, while Martin stopped the shots from Josh Maldon and Jack Toner before Alfie Dwyer put Ashville’s third effort over the bar.

In the end, it was a result that Witton’s performance deserved but some wastefulness in front of goal nearly cost them when Thomas Johnstone slid home the opener for Ashville against the run of play in the 76th minute after a hopeful hoof had led to ricochets in the box.

Albion will entertain Ramsbottom United in Northern Premier League West on Saturday, while 1874 Northwich, sixth on the ladder will head to leaders Macclesfield to play in front of an expected 3,000-plus crowd.

Meanwhile, Northwich Victoria returned to winning ways on Tuesday with a 3-1 success at Charnock Richard – a game in which all the goals came in the second half.

Vics, whose 10-match unbeaten run had been ended by Wythenshawe Town on Saturday, scored three goals in five minutes during the first half to put the game to bed.

Martyn Jackson (7mins), Matthew Dudley (10) and Matt Birchall (12) found the net.

Charnock Richard pulled one goal back through Louis Holt in the 56th minute.

Steve Wilkes’ men have no game on Saturday but will visit Longridge Town next Wednesday.

Winsford United, currently 19th in the NWCFL Premier Division, will host third-placed AFC Liverpool on Saturday, when fourth-placed NWCFL Division One South side Barnton will be at home to second-placed Wythenshawe Amateurs.