THEY made him sweat, and worry about dropping points in their first test of 2017, but Witton Albion manager Carl Macauley breathed easier after hearing the final whistle on Saturday.

A 3-1 win against Gresley, secure only when Brad Bauress scored a stylish goal at the end of a counter-attack in stoppage time, did not come easy.

That seemed unlikely to be a concern after Tolani Omotola nudged them in front inside 60 seconds.

Bauress then bent in a brilliant second goal five minutes later.

“It was a dream start,” admitted Macauley.

“We wanted three points, like always, but we’re lucky to have them.

“Gresley deserved a draw, but their finishing was poor and we’ve got away with it.

“I never felt we were in control, even after getting ourselves into a great position.

“Instead I was left hoping we made it to half time with a 2-0 lead intact.”

Albion did not, and Reece Morris halved Gresley’s arrears before the break.

They fluffed chances to level after it, notably when Tendai Chitiza and Josh Egginton failed even to hit the target from close range.

Paul Williams was dismissed for Witton after receiving a second caution, but visitors could not capitalise.

Instead they bent double in despair after Bauress swept in decisively.

Macauley added: “Bradley was a match-winner for us.

“He showed the quality he has with the third goal, guiding the ball into the corner with the inside of his left foot.

“I’m happy that gave us the win, because Gresley had us worried.”