Witton had Macc's measure, says Pritch (From Northwich Guardian)

Witton Albion manager Brian Pritchard is happy after friendly draw with Macclesfield Town

8:00am Monday 23rd July 2012 in Sport By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

BRIAN Pritchard was in positive mood after watching Witton hold Football Conference newcomers Macclesfield Town in a friendly on Saturday.

Witton went ahead when latest recruit Shaun Tuck converted a penalty, only for substitute Kieran Murtagh to restore parity for the Silkmen, now bossed by former Northwich Victoria manager Steve King, in the second half.

“I’m happy with what I saw,” said the Albion boss afterwards.

“We were better than they were in the first half, but I felt we were second best after half time.

“It was hard work for us against full time professionals, although I felt my players acquitted themselves really well – nobody looked out of place.”

Tuck kept his cool to score from the spot after fellow fresh face Joe Shaw, signed this summer from Trafford, was felled by ex-Vics winger Peter Winn in the eighth minute.

Josh Hancock was unlucky to see a dipping shot hit the woodwork as Witton attacked with purpose until the interval.

King kept to his promise to make wholesale changes at half time, leading to a more controlled performance from Witton’s Cheshire neighbours.

Pritchard said: “Steve no doubt asked for a reaction, and he got one.

“We still had a couple of chances in the second half though, and Tom [Schofield] was unlucky not to score the winner late on when their goalkeeper made a great save.

“They forced us to defend more, but we coped.”

Witton resume their pre-season programme at home to Stalybridge tomorrow, Tuesday, kick off 7.30pm.