IF Witton’s players had privately felt they had done enough to be safe from relegation, this was a jolting confirmation their thoughts have betrayed them.

Tony Sullivan’s team are three points clear of the drop zone, and will host champions-elect FC United of Manchester at Wincham Park next weekend following two damaging, and unexpected, defeats against direct rivals at Easter.

Albion’s manager admitted afterwards that his position is under greater scrutiny than at any time during his tenure.

They entered the weekend one victory away from a survival target set by chairman Mark Harris before Christmas.

After failing to score in two dismal performances, that marker suddenly feels further away.

Three of their remaining four matches are against opponents with promotion, or at the very least a top-five finish, as their primary aim.

A winner-takes-all clash at Stamford on the season’s final afternoon is a distinct, if entirely unattractive, possibility.

They rarely threatened Nantwich, opponents they brushed aside on Boxing Day, from the moment Josh Hancock’s volley inside the opening minute had been parried to safety by goalkeeper Terry Smith.

By the finish, they were 3-0 down and grateful for the Dabbers taking mercy following the dismissal of goalkeeper Andy Robertson with 20 minutes left.

Witton, anaemic while losing to Whitby on Saturday, were so again.

They ought to have trailed even before Nicky Platt’s fifth-minute opener, but Liam Shotton shot feebly when face-to-face with Robertson.

His teammate was more decisive, running unopposed into the penalty area to steer PJ Hudson’s cross into the net.

Robertson, in the initial stages, was a one-man barrier between Albion and an avalanche of goals.

He blocked Matty Kosylo’s attempt with a boot, then reacted smartly to turn Sean Cooke’s swerving free kick to safety.

But the custodian had no chance of stopping Mat Bailey’s close range-prod after he was left unmarked to thump in Cooke’s free kick.

It was far too easy.

Witton did muster a rally of sorts.

Jamie Rainford’s shot lacked power, then he turned provider for Alex Titchiner with a lofted pass that caught out the hosts’ defence.

However his strike partner’s touch was too heavy, and Smith smothered the ball.

Luke Clark’s free kick, hit with power, swerved too close to the Nantwich custodian.

Albion’s best spell of pressure after the break promised a breakthrough, only to be ruined by a moment of madness at the other end.

Robertson rolled a pass to skipper John Shaw, who was robbed of possession by Cooke.

His pass left substitute Harry Clayton with a simple task to score with his first touch.

By the time Robertson was shown a red card for tripping Kosylo, after he tried to dribble out of trouble, the game was already up.

Sullivan’s wish was to have secured Witton’s place in the Premier Division for another season by full time.

The fact it is more precarious reflects just how quickly, not to mention drastically, the picture has changed in only 48 hours.

Nantwich (4-5-1) Smith (GK), Jones, Bailey, Harrison, White, Kosylo (Mighten 85), Osborne, Cooke, Platt (Moran 58), Hudson, Shotton (Clayton 65) Subs not used Hartley (GK), Winslade Goals Platt 5, Bailey 19, Clayton 66

Witton (4-4-2) Robertson (GK), Goulding (Joe Shaw 79), Barnes, John Shaw, Corbett, Andrews, Simpson, Clark, Hancock, Rainford (Porter GK 73), Titchiner Subs not used Parker, Schofield, Chrisokou Booked Hancock, Barnes, Clark (all fouls) Sent off Robertson (foul)

Referee Billy Smallwood

Attendance 462