WHEN Witton played this fixture last season, they occupied the same place in the table.

After a draw, earned by an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time, the likelihood they would avoid relegation was difficult to judge.

This latest tie, less merited than the preceding one, leaves similar doubts.

It was achieved without Anthony Gardner, left out as a punishment for a serious breach of discipline following last Saturday’s 2-1 win against Ramsbottom.

In his absence, Albion’s players were determined to demonstrate their resolve.

And every one – goalkeeper Andrew Robertson included – pointedly ran to celebrate with manager Tony Sullivan when Luke Clark, aided by a huge deflection, put them in front inside seven minutes.

The message was clear; they’re sticking together.

It’s probable they will have to do so for the foreseeable future without the 24-year-old, who has been transfer listed four short of 200 appearances since joining the club early in 2011.

Gardner’s replacement as captain, John Shaw, was the visitors’ outstanding performer on his return to the team after a six-week absence with a knee injury.

Robertson, following a string of saves after half time, was a close second.

Trafford, victors only once in their previous 20 league matches, can partly blame their former custodian for not improving on that record.

Most impressively, the 33-year-old stretched fully to his left to parry Jeff King’s drive eight minutes from time.

He then was alert to block at his near post to deny substitute Chris McDonagh before blocking Andy Smart’s header from the resulting corner.

However even he had been helpless to stop Adam Jones scoring a spectacular, and deserved, leveller for Trafford on the hour when the defender despatched a brilliant overhead kick.

It will have made him feel better about fluffing a free header in front of goal four minutes earlier.

Witton, unable to find the fluency in possession that helped them to victory seven days previous, still posed a threat.

Indeed, the contest would have been over had Danny Andrews’ drive dipped slightly instead of rattling the crossbar shortly after the interval.

Liam Goulding, filling in for Gardner at full back, then could not divert a header into the net when left unmarked six yards out.

Perhaps sensing they had been let off, Trafford rallied.

John Shaw stretched to thwart Astley Mulholland, then Jones missed that sitter.

His goal was recompense, before Jimmy McCarthy shot feebly after Mulholland had slalomed past Jon Dawson on the right.

Witton flickered when Andrews and Jamie Rainford swapped passes, but the latter’s curving finish skimmed the woodwork.

Trafford looked more likely to score next, though Robertson made sure they didn’t.

Instead Albion finished strongly, almost pinching maximum points when substitute Alex Titchiner spun cleverly in stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Tom Read smothered his shot smartly. 

Trafford (4-4-2) Read (GK), Palmer, Mason, Jones, Doughty (McDonagh 62), Wassi (Smith 66), King, Martyn Andrews, Smart, McCarthy, Mulholland Subs not used Saunders (GK), Derbyshire, Sturgess Goal Jones 61

Witton (4-4-2) Robertson (GK), Goulding, Barnes, John Shaw, Dawson, Roddan (Titchiner 63), Joe Shaw, Clark, Danny Andrews, Rainford, Molina (Parker 78) Subs not used Swift (GK), Simpson, Ofori Goal Clark 7 Booked Barnes (foul)

Referee David McNamara (Grimsargh)

Attendance 232