CARL Macauley concedes it wasn’t pretty but acknowledged his promotion-chasing side never looked likely to lose at Gresley on Saturday.

Steven Tames’ early goal settled them, and they had maximum points in their grasp by the break after Will Jones had doubled their lead.

The Moatmen did not manage a single shot on target.

“We did what we wanted to,” said the Witton Albion manager.

“The lads were strong, organised and professional on a difficult playing surface.

“We asked them to do ugly things – hooking balls on and win lots of headers because the ball bounced high on the hard ground – but they responded in the right way.

“An early goal helped, definitely, and we didn’t stop after that.

“They didn’t create a chance, did they? We snuffed out their threat. I felt we were solid as a team, and never in danger.”

A seventh successive away win did not change the standings, though, after Shaw Lane overturned an interval deficit to beat Newcastle.

It means Witton head to Yorkshire on Tuesday tied on points with their rivals.

However they start the game second in the standings on goal difference.

Macauley singled out his side’s scorers for praise, for their showing meant the visitors did not miss Rob Hopley while he rested on the bench.

He said: “They did well, with Will winning headers and Steve getting on the end of them.

“They’ve not played together much, but Tames can thrive alongside a player like Jones – his movement is so good, and he gets on defenders’ shoulders ready to pounce.

“It’s not a bad alternative to have Rob in case we needed him, is it?!”