ANTHONY Sheehan says Witton Albion’s players deserve praise for delivering a first league win since Brian Pritchard’s departure as manager.

Goals after the interval from Josh Hancock and Neil Harvey secured a 2-0 win against newly-promoted Halesowen on Tuesday, extending an unbeaten sequence in the Premier Division to four matches.

It also marks the hosts’ first shutout of the season.

Sheehan said: “I’m happy – the lads stuck to a plan and got their reward.

“We scored at good times, but the most pleasing thing for us as a management team is to see players taking on board the information we gave to them.

“They knew what to expect from Halesowen, what they would be up against.

“We defended well, and it’s a nice boost for the back five to keep a clean sheet.”

Sheehan, along coaches Nigel Deeley and Dave Andrew, made a decisive tactical switch in the moments before half time.

After stationing Hancock in a more familiar position on the left wing and moving Iain Howard inside to support striker Neil Harvey from a central starting point, Witton broke through.

“We made the adjustment before half time because the game was so tight and we needed to try something different,” said Sheehan.

“Iain was able to get on the ball more, while Josh did what he does best when he cut inside to score our first goal with a great strike.

“It was difficult to get control of the game before half time, but with more possession afterwards we were able to create chances.”

Witton’s caretaker trio are likely to be in charge for Saturday’s trip to Barwell, by which time the 32-year-old will have been interviewed for the managerial vacancy.

The former Colwyn Bay midfielder, who has made more than 100 appearances for Albion since September 2011, said on Friday that he wanted to replace Pritchard on a permanent basis.

“I’m enjoying myself,” he said.

“I can’t do any more than that.”

To read a report on last night's game, click here: http://bit.ly/1A4DcOE