THE hush that followed the referee’s final whistle was an indication that Witton’s supporters did not know how to feel.

Their side had let slip a two-goal lead to tie with fellow promotion-hopefuls Spalding United, but a point is enough for them to draw level with Shaw Lane at the top of the table.

With five games left, one of them against their rivals for the title on Tuesday, Albion’s dream of being promoted back to the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division remains very much alive.

While they were frustrated not to protect a lead that felt sturdy when Will Jones’ looping shot crept under the crossbar shortly after the interval, it would feel harsh to criticise.

This was their third game in five days, and that after they had shown the resolve to respond to an unexpected defeat at home to lowly Rugby by winning their next five games.

Carl Macauley again made changes, recalling Anthony Brown, Paul Wiliams and Matty Devine as expected, but he resisted the temptation to introduce a substitute late on with the game finely poised at 2-2.

So impressive has their form been since the turn of the year, that it is easy to overlook that Spalding are the first side in the table’s top six to take a point off Witton this season.

Albion still had chances to win even after the Tulips had wiped out their deficit, notably when Jones jabbed wide with the goal at his mercy.

He dragged another attempt off-target, while Steven Tames surged inside from the left touchline before firing past an upright.

Paradoxically, the hosts played better than they had during wins against Chasetown and Carlton earlier this week.

Against superior opponents to those, they had to.

There was little to choose between the teams in the opening half-hour, during which Rob Hopley’s tame header was the only attempt on target.

The contest needed a moment of inspiration, and Tom Owens duly obliged on 34 minutes.

After side-stepping a defender on the edge of the penalty area, he needed next to no back-lift to serve a perfectly-placed shot into the top corner.

Bradley Wells might have replied instantly, but his attempted lob lacked accuracy with goalkeeper Calvin Hare out of position.

Witton were on the front foot from the start of the second period, and deservedly doubled their lead when Jones’ chip dropped over custodian Michael Duggan.

This time Spalding’s quick response was rewarded, Leon Mettam nudging Lee Beeson’s corner into the net at the near post.

A forceful effort from Jones was parried by Duggan before the Tulips levelled when Jordan Lemon, after collecting a ball deflected his way by Scott Lycett, clipped a beautifully-weighted shot out of Hare’s reach.

Witton wavered, initially at least, but steadied themselves for a final assault on their guests’ goal.

They made up in sheer will what they lacked in energy but, this time at least, it was not enough to eke out another victory.

Witton | 4-4-2 | Hare (GK), Gardner, Brown, Lycett, Devine, Tames, Williams, Owens, Bauress, Jones, Hopley Subs not used McKenna, Hickman, Noon, Omotola, Roberts (GK) Goals Owens 34, Jones 53 Booked Brown (foul), Tames (ungentlemanly conduct), Hopley (handball)

Spalding | 4-4-2 | Duggan (GK), Walker, Miller, Stainfield, Jackson, Higginson, Varley, Beeson, Lemon, Mettam, Wells Subs not used Field, Downey Goals Mettam 55, Lemon 68 Booked Wells, Lemon (both fouls)

Referee Daniel Hitchell

Attendance 299