FC UNITED needed nine minutes, that’s all, to confirm Witton’s season has not changed course.

They scored three goals in that time to ensure Albion reached a new low, for never before have they lost a dozen league games in succession.

The visitors’ fans, those that had stayed inside Bower Fold rather than head home early, did not hide their despair at the final whistle.

During a dismal display, their side also had Jamie Rainford sent off while captain Anthony Gardner’s second-half penalty was saved.

FC United’s emphatic win was richly-deserved.

But few teams will have to work less hard than they did to score maximum points.

The Reds were as merciless as Witton were meek during comically one-sided opening.

Matthew Wolfenden steered in a smart header inside two minutes after Craig Lindfield was afforded too much time on the left to deliver a cross.

His second goal was simpler still.

After Albion surrendered possession cheaply, Jerome Wright, a winger filling in at full back, dribbled unopposed into the penalty area before nudging the ball into Wolfenden’s path.

He wriggled past John Shaw’s feeble challenge before lifting the ball past goalkeeper Jamie Speare.

When Luke Ashworth was first to Lindfield’s corner, crashing in a header, the game was up.

Greg Daniels skied over from inside the six-yard box soon afterwards, perhaps taking pity.

The hosts, unbeaten in four previous league matches during which they had conceded a single goal, continued to dominate.

Cliff Moyo was brave to block Dave Birch’s fiercely-hit drive, as was a teammate when Daniels attempted an overhead kick from close range.

There was no respite, and the outstanding Wright highlighted the gulf between the teams when he speared a low shot – deflected slightly – into the net.

Witton’s day worsened when Rainford’s reckless lunge at Wright prompted his dismissal by referee Luke Watson.

It summed up perfectly Albion’s propensity to self-destruct this season.

They missed badly Michael Powell’s leadership in midfield, not to mention his composure in possession, as well as Danny Andrews’ ability to dribble.

Fortune did not favour them either; Speare, who turned 38 on Wednesday, started again between the posts because new recruit Dean Porter suffered an injury in training.

Absent too was the fighting spirit that saw them through last Saturday’s FA Trophy tie.

Tony Sullivan’s men at least shut out FC United in the second period.

Shaw, denied by Dean Stott’s goal-line clearance before the break from converting Daniel O’Brien’s corner, ought to have scored when left unmarked at a flag kick on 56 minutes.

But he failed even to make contact with the ball.

Gardner was then pulled back by Wright in the box, but the former’s spot kick was parried by Carnell.

Tom Greaves skewed off target at the other end, then Stott poked wide with his toe after another foray forward.

Witton have had heavier hammerings but this one, which ended faint hopes stirred in Sheffield, will hurt just as much as the others.

FC United (4-2-3-1) Carnell (GK), Stott, Lacy (Lynch 46), Ashworth, Wright, Birch (Brown 65), Byrne, Daniels, Wolfenden, Lindfield (Walwyn 52), Greaves Subs not used Kay, Fox Goals Wolfenden 2, 4 Ashworth 8, Wright 32

Witton (4-4-2) Speare (GK), Moyo, Harrison, Shaw, Corbett, Gardner, O’Brien (Read 69), Barnes, Koral, Rainford, Titchiner (Karanlang 63) Subs not used Swift (GK), Henders Sent off Rainford (foul)

Referee Luke Watson

Attendance 1,998