WITTON will rue their pointless trip to Shropshire.

Gary Finley’s men led, hit the woodwork twice and were thwarted by the brilliance of the hosts’ keeper Andrew Pryce.

Then, to insult to injury, Martyn Davies scored a wonder goal to pinch the points for the UniBond League newcomers.

His was a winner fit for any stage.

Sub Paul Bowyer flicked on a high punt forward with his first touch but, with the ball dipping over his shoulder, Reds’ front-runner still had much to do on the edge of the penalty area.

He guided a perfect volley over stranded Witton custodian Joe Clegg to seal a third successive victory.

For Witton, a second straight defeat.

They seemed set for victory when Steve Foster’s expert finish opened the scoring on the hour, a low shot past Pryce following Stuart Rudd’s touch.

Market Drayton levelled two minutes later.

Jay Lawrence’s flag kick was met on the run by unmarked Duncan Horler, who arrowed a header into the far corner.

Witton hit the bar twice before Davies’ magic moment.

First Paul Booth looped a header onto the frame after meeting Steve Hall’s free kick then Peter Heler, making his full debut for Witton in place of Lee Neville, curved a shot onto the angle after cutting inside.

In between, the former Burscough man looked skywards in anger after seeing Pryce claw another arcing shot past the post low to his left.

The hosts’ custodian was still not done, sprawling into the other corner to tip Rudd’s header around an upright after Booth headed Phil Doran’s deep centre back across goal.

The first period was not without goalmouth incident either.

Witton had fewer, but better, chances; the best was a dipping shot by Rudd that was tipped over by Pryce as he back-pedalled.

It was the final touch of a sweeping counter, led by Brad Maylett, after Clegg’s swift throw launched the attack.

Market Drayton had opportunities too, the clearest falling to Mark Grice, but he dithered before shooting after finding space in the box.

Darren Beech blazed over, while Lawrence dragged his drive well wide when he should have hit the target.

Albion's boss threw on Steve Brodie and Mike Moseley in a bid to rescue a point but Pryce’s form, plus Reds’ tenacity, proved enough to thwart their frustrated guests.

Witton (4-4-2) Clegg (GK), Murphy, Pritchard, Booth, Doran, Maylett (Adams 81), Dave Neville (Brodie 71), Hall, Heler (Moseley 85), Rudd, Foster
Sub not used Hadzik
Goal Foster 59
Booked Heler (taking free kick too quickly), Hall (foul)

Attendance 229