WITTON Albion’s faint hopes of reaching the play-offs ended after a stalemate with nine-man Rushall.

In truth a single win in their past eight matches, and four draws in their past five, had put fifth place out of their reach even before arithmetic confirmed it.

Carl Macauley’s men went closest to scoring when Danny McKenna’s speculative attempt rattled the woodwork in the second-half, although the Pics can claim to have created plenty of chances too.

The visitors made three changes to a side that had shared the spoils with Marine less than 48 hours earlier with Ryan Nield and Paul Williams joining McKenna on the field from the first minute.

Danny Dubidat’s effort dipped over as Rushall started brightly, and Danny Waldron headed wide.

Owen Dale went close from distance at the other end for the visitors before Will Jones’ strike with an instep prompted goalkeeper Matt Hill to save following Steve Tames’ approach play.

Another header from Waldron failed to trouble Neild, Albion’s custodian, although he was relieved to see Dubidat’s next attempt flash over after the front man had linked with Gurjit Singh.

McKenna’s moment almost broke the deadlock, while Dale’s dribble and cross deserved a decisive touch lacking from a teammate.

The contest ended on a sour note for the home team when Michael Townsend was shown a second yellow card as punishment for fouling McKenna.

Substitute Richard Brodie suffered the same fate shortly after a first caution for kicking the ball away when he felled Dale.

Rushall | Hill (GK), Webb, Smikle, Whittall, Hull, Townsend, Waldron, Hawker, Archer (Adelekan 85), Dubidat (Maye 59), Singh (Brodie 77) Subs not used Butterfield, Paisley Booked Townsend, Webb, Brodie Sent off Townsend, Brodie (both second cautions)

Witton | Neild (GK), Gardner, Devine, Wilson, Williams, Foley, Dale (Evans 90), McKenna, Hopley, Jones, Tames Subs not used Cesaire, Moore (GK)

Referee Andrew Dallison

Attendance 221