IF he wishes, Witton Albion manager Carl Macauley can keep faith with a side that collected maximum points in midweek when they visit Basford tomorrow.

The Northwich side climbed to sixth in the Northern Premier League Division One South table following a 2-1 success at Lincoln United, where Rob Hopley scored the winner.

“It was tough – really tough – but we defended well and stayed strong,” said Macauley, who told the Guardian he arrived home at 2.30am on Wednesday.

They face probably their sternest test of the campaign so far in the shape of Martin Carruthers’ in-form side, who have won six of their past seven matches.

Defender Michael Wilson is unavailable, as he was on Tuesday, so Scott Lycett should continue as Anthony Brown’s partner at the centre of Witton’s defence.

The hosts will check on the fitness of goalkeeper Saul Deeney, who came off during last weekend’s 5-0 hammering of Leek.

However Jake Wood has proven an able deputy, performing admirably in an Integro League Cup second round success – after a penalty shoot-out – at Matlock in midweek.

Midfielder Ashley Grayson marked his return to fitness by scoring a decisive spot kick against the Gladiators.