NOT for the first time this season, Witton Albion were sunk by a stoppage-time goal scored by opponents they were expected to beat.

After Carlton did it in September, Carl Macauley’s men responded by beating Newcastle.

Coincidentally, Scott Dundas’ side are due in at Wincham Park this weekend.

If missing out against the Millers had made them sick – Witton led 2-0 after an hour – then falling to improving Market Drayton, victors now in three of their past four league matches, will prompt a similar reaction.

Albion twice recovered after falling behind before having a goal controversially ruled out that would have put them in front for the first time.

Jud Ellis’ then blasted a late winner for Drayton.

A victory for AFC Rushden & Diamonds, at home to lowly Rugby, leaves Witton six points adrift of a play-offs place with at least half-a-dozen games in hand on rivals above them.

This is no time for panic.

Market Drayton’s Greenfields home has been a place for little cheer; a postponement minutes before kick off earlier this month is sandwiche by two defeats at the Shropshire venue.

The hosts took the lead inside nine minutes when Glyn Coney hooked in.

Albion drew level before the break when on-loan front man Tolani Omotola increased his goal tally for the campaign to 14.

Shaquille Whittingham raced clear to slot in a second for Drayton on 65 minutes, only for Scott Lycett to restore parity a second time.

It is the defender’s first goal since returning to the club in November following a spell at Sutton Coldfield Town.

Albion thought they had edged ahead almost immediately afterwards, only to be denied when referee Philip Hardisty judged there to have been a foul on goalkeeper Ashley Rawlins.

Ellis then struck in the fourth minute of injury time to further stoke Albion ire.

They will be boosted by the return, both after a ban, of leading scorer Rob Hopley and influential midfielder Paul Williams for the visit of third-placed Newcastle.

A trip to Lincoln United, rearranged following the postponement of a scheduled meeting last Saturday, follows in midweek.

Witton | Roberts (GK), Garner, Devine, Lycett, Brown, Haywood, Noon, Owens (Hinchliffe), Tames, Omotola (Wilson 87), Bauress Subs not used Davis, Hickman, Sloane Goals Omotola 27, Lycett 67

Attendance 153