WITTON Albion could not improve on a miserable record at Belper, suffering only a second league defeat of the season.

Their latest visit on Saturday was not as bruising as the previous one, which saw them trail by four goals at half-time, but the outcome will still have felt emphatic.

Carl Macauley’s men have games in hand on rivals above them in the table, but they also have a queue of sides forming behind them.

The Nailers, victors now in three of their past four Division One South fixtures, are one of them in ninth.

They took the lead on 20 minutes when John Guy sent a thumping header past goalkeeper Danny Roberts from Jonathan Williams’ corner.

A second goal followed shortly afterwards when Evan Garnett, making a second debut after returning to Belper from Alfreton, slotted in a smart finish after controlling expertly a long ball.

Albion, perhaps jaded by a pulsating FA Trophy replay victory against Colwyn Bay in midweek, sent on attacking duo Karl Noon and Tolani Omotola for the second period.

The visitors enjoyed more of the game, although they struggled to create chances.

Their best move ended with Rob Hopley skipping around custodian Dan Haystead, only for Michael Armstrong to block the striker’s shot as it headed towards the target.

Alex Steadman then made it 3-0 in the last minute, shooting past Roberts when they came face-to-face after the striker had collected Williams’ pass.

His next contribution was at the other end of the field, upending an Albion player to concede a penalty that Paul Williams converted as a consolation.

Witton | Roberts (GK), Gardner, Devine, Wilson, Hickman (Omotola 46), Paul Williams, Haywood, Owens (Noon 46), Hopley, Tames, Bauress Subs not used Adigun, Garner (GK) Goal Paul Williams 90 (penalty) Booked Hickman, Paul Williams, Tames, Bauress, Omotola

Referee Ritchie Watkins

Attendance 275