CARL Macauley has said Witton’s first defeat of the season was against opponents he predicts will be promoted as champions.

Albion lost 2-0 at home to Altrincham on Monday, when first-half goals from James Poole and Josh Hancock – a former fans’ favourite at Wincham Park – put the Robins in charge.

They protected that advantage in relative comfort for the remainder, denying their hosts a chance to end August without losing.

“We came up well short,” said Macauley.

“Altrincham dominated, and sometimes you have to hold up your hands and admit you lost to a better team.

“They’re a fantastic side; well-organised, experienced and with plenty of quality too.

“We’ll learn in defeat, as we always do.

“But I think it’s important to recognise their strength and not to get too down about losing to them.”

He told the Guardian that Witton’s defending for both goals could have been better.

Jordan Hulme spun away from Anthony Brown before teeing up Poole, who had time to place a rising shot out of goalkeeper Calvin Hare’s reach.

Hancock then fired a spectacular shot into the roof of the net from distance, but only after being allowed to drift inside off the left touchline.

Macauley said: “The goals told a story of the game; we gave them too much space, and weren’t brave enough to close them down.

“The strikes were great, no question, but both players had time to execute and they shouldn’t have.

“Look at the contrast at the other end; every time we got the ball up to Rob [Hopley], he was in a battle just to keep it there.”

Fatigue was a factor too for Witton.

Albion played successive away games at Workington, on Tuesday night, and then Barwell before hosting their Cheshire neighbours.

Meanwhile Phil Parkinson’s men made a short journey to Cheshire after back-to-back matches at Moss Lane.

“It didn’t help us,” admitted Macauley.

“The trips are one thing, but those games were tough as well – we had to battle really hard to get something from each of them.

“It took a lot out of us, and this game probably came too soon.”