Patience will be rewarded, says Pritch (From Northwich Guardian)

Witton Albion take on Whitby Town with manager Brian Pritchard expecting a tricky test

6:08pm Friday 19th October 2012 in Sport By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

BRIAN Pritchard says Witton might have to be patient to score maximum points against Whitby.

Albion seek to end a stop start run – they have won two and lost as many in the past four matches – in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s top tier when the Seasiders visit tomorrow, Saturday.

A midweek win against Marine provided a confidence boost though after losing at North Ferriby.

“We may have to show a similar resilience,” said Pritchard.

“The players’ work ethic was much better on Tuesday; they didn’t get frustrated, showing that they learned something from the previous home game [against Ashton].

“We took our chances when they came, staying strong throughout.”

Witton earned a share of second spot in the standings as a reward.

They will need to be wary of Whitby though, a team that has lost only twice in its past 10 league and cup matches.

One of those defeats was at higher-ranked Stalybridge Celtic in the FA Cup.

“I expect them to make life as difficult as possible for us,” added Pritchard.

He will wait until the latest possible moment to check on the health of defender Ben Harrison (neck), while one or two others are hoping to shake off niggles to play.

Midfield pair Steven Connors and Joe Shaw continues to convalesce after injury.

“We have competition for places now,” said Pritchard.

“The lads don’t like squad rotation because they want to play every game.

“It’s not a policy that we’ve adopted either, but on those occasions when a player needs a rest or I need an individual to play in bursts then we’ll ask them to.”

Whitby have won on only one of their past seven visits to Northwich, but did send down Albion when the two teams last met at The Turnbull Ground in 2009.

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