CARL Macauley has admitted Witton Albion’s chances of being promoted of champions received a potentially critical blow after they lost to Shaw Lane on Tuesday.

A 1-0 defeat leaves them three points adrift of their rivals at the Northern Premier League Division One South summit with three matches to play.

“If we’d have won, then we’d fell confident of finishing the job from here.

“They’re in a good position now, no question.

“All we can do now is to try and win our remaining games and see where that takes us.

“The lads remain in good spirits; they’re not feeling down, because they know they’ve come such a long way to even be in contention.”

Jonathan Wafula’s goal, expertly-taken, at the start of the second half separated the sides at the end of a close contest at Barnsley played in front of a huge crowd.

Albion went closest to an equaliser when Paul Williams’ drive rattled the inside of a post.

Macauley said: “I’ve no complaints about the result.

“I felt an odd goal would decide it, and that it would be tight.

“My players gave everything, and it just didn’t happen for us – we didn’t get going in the final third.

“The pitch was poor, and that made it a battle for us to pass the ball the way we know we can.

“We had to go direct much earlier than we’re used to, and that’s not our game.

“It played into their hands a bit, and they stayed strong.”

Albion, already guaranteed to finish as runners-up if Shaw Lane win the title, host Stamford on Saturday.

After that, they take on tenants Northwich Victoria on Monday.

Macauley said: “We’ll keep going, and make sure we’re in a position to take advantage of any slip-up Shaw Lane make.”

Should Witton finish second, then they will have home advantage in a promotion play-offs semi final.