Witton Albion 0 Congleton Town 1

For Albion it was only the second time ever that they have exited the premier knockout competition in the month of August.

Missing regulars Brian Pritchard, Brad Maylett and Peter Heler, the home team seemed totally out of sorts throughout and their only real threat on Matt Conkie’s goal came 12 minutes after Town had taken the lead when Phil Doran’s fierce drive was parried by Conkie but Steve Foster’s follow up ended well over the target.

The all-important goal came in the 56th minute when former Albion midfield player Ryan Baker sent in a cross cum shot from the right that failed to be cleared.

The ball fell nicely into the path of the unmarked Mark Beeston, who made no mistake from close range.

For quite some time leading up to the goal the ball was there to be properly cleared but far too often ended up skied against the wind thus playing into the up-for-it predatory Bears’ well disciplined attacking formation.

Earlier, Albion twice went close in a couple of minutes when firstly Jordan King, making his first appearance of the season, scuffed his shot past the right post following a dipping cross from Phil Doran.

Nearer still was Dave Neville, who, on 20 minutes sent in a 25-yard effort that flew just over the crossbar.

The impressive Mark Fitton then produced two great challenges on Mike Moseley five minutes later.

Four minutes after the break Town had a great shout for a penalty after the ball had bounced up onto Doran’s arms as he attempted a clearance.

Then a speculative high ball across the goal from Simon Robinson struck the angle with the back-peddling Clegg also crashing against the woodwork as the ball drifted out for a goal kick.

On 65 minutes a Doran free kick aimed to the left post was headed over by Steve Hall before Albion’s best chance to salvage anything at all out of the cup tie.

Conkie went down bravely at Paul Booth’s feet following a Doran flag kick.

Callum Tai-Hogan’s introduction saw Stuart Rudd join the attack but his first effort was a gentle shot that Conkie easily held. Albion’s other substitute Steve Brodie just failed to make contact after playing a one-two with Foster, while Doran drove his shot wide with five minutes remaining.

Witton: Joe Clegg; Dylan Adams, Paul Booth, Stuart Rudd, Neil Murphy; Jordan King (Steve Brodie 62), Dave Neville, Steve Hall (Callum Tai-Hogan 79), Phil Doran; Steve Foster, Mike Moseley. Sub not used: Andy Hadzik. Attendance: 194.