WITTON Albion scored twice in quick succession to secure a spot at the next stage of the Integro League Cup at Widnes’ expense on Tuesday.

Manager Carl Macauley made five changes to a side that had tied with Gainsborough Trinity last weekend, including new recruit Harvey Whyte in midfield.

Chris Noone and Delial Brewster made their first starts of the season while Matthew Coughlan, signed on dual-registration terms from Bootle shortly before kick-off, was back in the club’s colours too.

There were few attempts on goal during the early exchanges, save for Brewster firing wide and former Barnton midfielder shooting high at the other end.

The hosts established control at a sodden Wincham Park when Matty Devine skipped around goalkeeper Richie Mottram before sliding the ball into the net from an angle.

Albion doubled their lead shortly afterwards thanks to Will Jones’ cute finish.

Jamie Rainford, a face familiar to Witton supporters following a spell at Wincham Park three years ago, then failed to hit the target after skilfully conjuring an opening for himself.

Witton’s scorers both had an opportunity to add to their personal tallies before the break.

Mottram spilled Devine’s strike from distance before a poor clearance from the visitors’ custodian fell to Jones.

However his volleyed attempt flashed wide.

Widnes halved their arrears in the second-half when Dale Korie-Butler steered a shot past custodian Greg Hall after going clear of the hosts’ defence.

Substitute James Foley, on in place of Brewster, went closest to scoring next when a defender blocked his goal-bound effort.

However they did not need the comfort of another goal and can look forward to hosting Spennymoor Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Witton | Hall (GK), Yates, Devine, Wardle, Wilson, Noone (Humphreys 70), McKenna, Whyte, Jones, Brewster (Foley 63), Coughlan Subs not used Hopley, Cesaire Goals Devine 21, Jones 22 Booked Foley, Yates

Widnes | Mottram (GK), Peter Doran, Johnstone, Sheen (Croughan 67), Cartwright, Akrigg, Webster, Myler, Rainford (Towey 71), Korie-Butler, Chris Lomax (Freeman 80) Subs not used Phil Doran, Jones Goal Korie-Butler 47 Booked Webster, Myler, Towey

Referee Stuart Morland

Attendance 75

Additional reporting by Paul Harper