IT is fitting that Steve Tames, perhaps Witton Albion’s best performer this season, should play a starring role in the final act of their season.

He claimed a double to see off Lancaster, although the Dolly Blues denied him a hat-trick when Glenn Steel positioned himself perfectly on the line.

Tames ends the term with 25 goals in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight, a tally made more impressive by the fact he has started most matches he’s played from a wide position on the right.

He started this contest at the point of Albion’s attack, alongside Rob Hopley, after Carl Macauley was forced to change his line-up late when Will Jones aggravated a foot injury in the warm-up.

Cesaire Lingouba was promoted in his place.

A sedate opening, which feature James Foley firing high before Hopley had a goal chalked off for a foul on goalkeeper Elliot Wynne, was unsurprising in the circumstances.

Lancaster were a shade more convincing in the Spring sunshine, and Sam Bailey’s free-kick dipped a fraction late.

Craig Carney went closer still, his drive fizzing past an upright with Witton custodian Calvin Hare – making his 50th start for the club – relieved to see it do so.

The home team played with greater intensity after the interval, and took the lead when Tames drilled low into the bottom-corner, out of Wynne’s reach, from the edge of the box.

They were thankful for a let-off at the other end though when Ryan Winder’s curling free-kick clattered against a post.

Hare adjusted his position to save Steve Williams’ header from the rebound though.

Albion continued to push forward, and a surging run from Owen Dale that started inside his own half ended with Ben Hudson scrambling brilliantly to intercept his low centre with Tames waiting to pounce.

However Lancaster gifted to their hosts an opportunity to settle the outcome when substitute Paul Jarvies nudged over Danny McKenna with 10 minutes left.

Tames’ spot-kick was sent high to Wynne’s left.

The in-form attacker will have been convinced a third was about to follow when he was sent clear by James Foley’s gloriously-weighted pass.

However after slaloming past Wynne, his angled attempt was blocked by a fast-recovering Steel.

Albion almost had a blemish on their copybook when Hannu Tam darted into a shooting space at the other end, but his shot crept past the far upright.

“Three points, a couple of goals and a clean-sheet – job done,” reflected Macauley afterwards.

Coincidentally, it’s an apt way to sum up his side’s season.

Witton | 4-4-2 | Hare (GK), Gardner, Wilson, Paul Williams, McKenna (Eves 90), Dale (Devine 78), Cesaire (Humphreys 63), Haywood, Foley, Hopley, Tames Sub not used Neild (GK) Goals Tames 48, 80 (penalty) Booked Paul Williams, Wilson (both fouls)

Lancaster | 4-4-1-1 | Wynne (GK), Hudson, Steve Williams, Steel, Dugdale (Jarvis 66), Winder (Simpson 73), Akrigg, Bailey, Kilifin, Carney, Tam Subs not used Henry, Mercer, Thornley (GK)

Referee Daniel Bruce

Attendance 323