DANNY Roberts conceded three times when Witton visited Belper last weekend, but he can still claim to play behind the best defence in the division.

No side has let in fewer goals than Albion in the Northern Premier League’s southern section so far this season.

It’s a foundation on which manager Carl Macauley has built a style of play that has led to front men Rob Hopley and Tolani Omotola scoring 23 goals between them.

“There isn’t a secret – if you keep things tight then it’s easier to win,” said Witton’s goalkeeper.

“It’s what will give us the best chance of being promoted.

“I’m really happy with how things have gone defensively so far, more so when you consider we’ve been without Anthony Brown the past couple of weeks.

“He’s a massive loss for us because he’s so strong and organises the back four.

“The spine of our team, with guys like Paul Williams and Rob Hopley, has a lot of experience and you’re bound to notice when they’re not around.”

And the 27-year-old, in his second spell at Witton following an aborted move to Glossop last term, believes his side will need that know-how if they are to beat Kettering in the FA Trophy this weekend.

The Poppies currently sit 12th in the Southern League’s Premier Division following a disappointing start to the campaign, but they have improved to win three of their past four games in all competitions.

Roberts said: “They’ll start as favourites because they play at a higher level.

“But we’ve done well at home in cup ties – turning over Buxton and drawing with Stalybridge – and I think that gives us a chance on Saturday.

“The FA Trophy is a competition where I’ve not had much success, so it would be nice to get through a couple more rounds if we can.

“I know that can help the club financially too.”

A first meeting at Wincham Park, where Witton are unbeaten in nine league and cup matches this season, represents arguably their best chance to reach the third qualifying round for the first time since 2011.

For a side that lost eight times in front of their own supporters in Division One North last term, it represents a remarkable improvement.

Roberts said: “I can’t put my finger on the reason why, and I remember our home form being poor in the first part of last season when I was here.

“A lot of the lads here now are different to then though.

“But, like with being strong at the back, having a good home record is important if we want to achieve the targets we’ve set.”