WITTON Albion are fast developing a reputation for spoiling their rivals’ previously proud home records.

They can now add Brig, beaten only once in front of their own supporters in the league this season before Saturday, to a growing list.

Even Jamie Milligan’s opener from the penalty spot for the hosts didn’t put them off.

Carl Macauley had said beforehand that he trusted young loan signings to help his side continue their improved run of results, and he kept to his word.

Of four debutants, three of them – goalkeeper Owen Evans, defender Toby Mullarkey and midfielder Chekaine Steele – are teenagers.

The latter of that trio, a replacement for fellow Port Vale professional Billy Reeves, recovered from a difficult start that saw him punished for tripping Regan Linney in the area.

Milligan duly beat Evans comfortably.

However Albion were soon level when Rob Hopley steered in after the visitors’ other first-timer, front man Darrhyl Mason, had shrugged off Brig’s Paul Alexander.

Michael Wilson’s header was narrowly off-target, then Tom Schofield skipped around goalkeeper Lee Dovey to make it 2-1 after running on to Joe Newton’s assist.

Brig boss Neil Crowe adjusted his side’s formation in the second period, sending on Curtis Thompson, but they rarely looked like finding a way back into the contest.

Hopley headed wide for Albion before Newton drilled in from the edge of the area on 76 minutes to extend their lead.

And Witton added gloss with six minutes left; Hopley applying the finishing touch after substitute Tom Owens created an opportunity.

It left the visitors, who have collected more points on their travels this term than at Wincham Park, five points adrift of a promotion play-offs place.

Their next two opponents, Farsley and Spennymoor, are direct rivals for a top-five place.

Brig | Dovey (GK), Bowyer, Dodd, Steel, Alexander, Kay (Moss 84), Waddecar, Vasey, Linney (Thompson 51), Milligan, Marlow (Wiles 69) Sub not used Reynolds Goal Milligan 9 (penalty)

Witton | Evans (GK), Gardner, Dawson, Wilson, Mullarkey, Steele, Newton (Parker 86), Schofield (Noone 90), Hopley, Mason (Owens 71), Andrews Subs not used Garner (GK), Hassan Goals Hopley 20, 84 Schofield 33, Newton 76

Referee David Croft

Attendance 238