ANTHONY Brown has been ruled out of tonight’s clash with table-topping Shaw Lane after suffering an injury at the weekend.

The defender suffered a cut above his right eye that required nine stitches on a visit to hospital following a goalless stalemate with Lincoln United.

“It’s a massive blow for us,” admitted Witton boss Carl Macauley.

“Anthony is gutted, as you can imagine, and he was down when I spoke to him on Monday.

“He’s a leader for us, a warrior back there, and any side would miss his vocal presence. We certainly will.”

Michael Wilson is likely to deputise.

Albion will also be without goalkeeper Danny Roberts, who is still not ready to return after suffering a knock during a 2-1 win at Basford three weeks ago.

Ryan Crump stands in again for him.

Paul Williams (back) is in the squad, but Macauley will wait until later before making a decision on the influential midfielder’s involvement.

Everybody else is available, including Matty Devine.

The full-back came through 90 minutes against the Whites on Saturday, which followed a half-hour cameo as a substitute during a county cup tie in midweek.

It marks a first start after sitting out the previous two Northern Premier League Division One South matches with an ankle injury.

Visitors Shaw Lane will be without former Northwich Victoria defender Alex Byrne, who is suspended.