WITTON, when they weren’t expected to, won in this part of Lancashire back in the spring.

It propelled them from the relegation zone, a place to which they did not return.

Seven months on Albion could not repeat the trick, but manager Tony Sullivan can be optimistic of a similarly galvanising affect from a performance that included every element missing from last week’s meek surrender to Matlock.

He was right to be rueful afterwards, for a flaky five minutes at the start proved more costly than he will have envisaged.

Daniel Wisdom, fortunate that Aidan Kirkbride’s attempt skewed into his path, spun and shot with power past Witton goalkeeper Daniel East in the third minute.

This time, unlike previously, it did not precipitate a collapse.

In fact, the narrow scoreline reflects how close Albion came to pinching a deserved draw.

For once, they enjoyed a slice of fortune when Kenny Strickland’s strike clattered an upright after half an hour.

But the league leaders, locked out of midfield by Witton and so forced to play longer passes than they wanted, could not find their usual fluency.

The free-scoring of previous seasons has been sacrificed in part to strengthen a defence expertly marshalled by Rob McIntosh.

Meanwhile Albion, including three players making a first start for the club, rolled up their sleeves.

They stayed in station too, which left lone striker Mike Koral isolated before the break.

Indeed Danny Andrews, shooting low to goalkeeper Martin Fearon’s left, had their only attempt on target.

The second half was a different story though.

Koral fired high when Skem’s defence stood off, then Andrews fluffed the visitors’ best chance.

Served by Koral after his persistence ended with him picking Rob Bodie’s pocket, the wide man blazed high with the goal at his mercy.

Koral, after Daniel O’Brien and Michael Powell had traded passes, then sliced off target.

Skem reminded Albion of their own attacking threat when Tom Ince’s drive brushed an upright, but primarily they were pushed back.

Sullivan sent on Jamie Rainford and then Alex Titchiner to form an attacking tandem, the latter forcing a fingertip stop from Fearon only to be incorrectly ruled offside.

Another counter from the hosts ended with Connor McCarthy’s curved effort dropping wide.

Powell could not control his header from close range when Andrews’ corner reached him, then Rainford’s touch was heavy after Titchiner’s pass picked him out.

An eighth successive league defeat was confirmed shortly afterwards, a tenth if games in all competitions are included in the count.

Sullivan said he was ‘gutted’.

“If they claim to have had an off day that’s disrespectful towards us,” he added.

“We matched them.”

His team competed for all but a few minutes at the outset, but during those seconds was a close contest’s outcome decided.

Skem (4-5-1) Fearon (GK), Fernandes, Bodie, McIntosh, Wisdom, Thompson, Burton, Kirkbride, Ince, Strickland (Byrne 61), McCarthy Subs not used Mooney, Sumner, Simpson, Golding Goal Wisdom 3

Witton (4-5-1) East (GK), Moyo (Barnes 78), Gardner, Harrison, Shaw, Andrews, O’Brien, Davidson (Titchiner 70), Powell, Hancock, Koral (Rainford 61) Subs not used Corbett, Dawson

Referee Richard Holmes

Attendance 300