GARY Martindale learned a lot during Witton’s win in midweek – not all of it good – but he believes to criticise Albion’s players would be harsh.

They assumed control of a meeting with Stocksbridge Park Steels after going 4-1 up, only for the hosts to rally by scoring twice in as many minutes.

It left the visitors hanging on to protect their lead by the final whistle.

They did so successfully, rising to second in the Northern Premier League’s Division One South on goal difference as a reward for an eighth win in their past 10 matches.

Martindale said: “We always see things, bits that make us think.

“Sometimes it’s better to analyse things once the adrenaline has stopped rushing through your body as well, and that’s what we did the day after.

“When we’re calm, we can study what we could have done better.

“Tuesday’s game turned out to be 100 per cent more stressful than it needed to; we were cruising, and then they got a goal from absolutely nothing.

“That gave them a lift, and at 4-3 they think they can get a draw.

“It’s not often we’re disappointed, but we were.

“We have to see a game out from the position we got ourselves into, and be a bit cleverer.”

Witton start a testing month with a visit from third-placed Spalding United tomorrow, the first of two meetings between the promotion rivals in the space of seven days.

Albion sit six points behind leaders Shaw Lane at kick off, but have a game in hand.

“We have to do our bit,” said Martindale.

“And that’s putting three points on the board. That’s what we have control over.

“The lads did a lot right [at Stocksbridge], and we’ll be looking to do the same on Saturday.

“There is no magic wand, it’s about preparing well and doing our job.

“If everybody takes responsibility for that, then things snowball naturally from there.

“We’ve proved again that when we’re bright from the first whistle, then we’re a tough cookie to play against.”

Witton will likely have to defend an unbeaten record in front of their own supporters without goalkeeper Danny Roberts, who continues to convalesce after suffering a foot injury at Basford in January.

Ryan Crump continues to deputise.

Leading scorer Brad Bauress was limping slightly when he was substituted during the second half in midweek, but Martindale insisted his withdrawal was a precaution.

Anthony Brown and Paul Williams are likely to be recalled to the starting line-up.

Kick off is at 3pm.