Ogden encouraged by Albion showing (From Northwich Guardian)

Witton Albion manager Paul Ogden has reason to be cheerful after friendly draw

2:21pm Friday 30th July 2010 in Witton By Andrew Simpson

PAUL Ogden declared himself satisfied after Witton held higher-ranked opponents to a draw in their latest pre-season friendly.

The Albion boss told the Guardian that he felt the hosts had done enough to beat Colwyn Bay.

“I’m encouraged,” he said afterwards.

“I think the fans were too if their applause at full time is an indicator.

“I felt that in the first half in particular we gave them plenty to think about while looking pretty solid ourselves at the other end of the field.

“I’m looking for us to really make progress now so we arrive at the first weekend of the season in exactly the right shape and form.”

Andy Kinsey headed the game’s opening goal on eight minutes from Peter Heler’s assist, but Bay rescued a draw when substitute Jon Newby latched on to Alex Titchiner’s pass before sending sweeping his shot past on-trial custodian James Coates.

Albion replacement Chris Smith almost snatched a winner when he sent an angled shot narrowly wide late on.

Ogden added: “They came back into the game in the second half once we’d made a few changes, but they have some good players so that’s understandable.

“I know James [Coates] from my time at Kidsgrove. He’s a fine keeper who has proven he’s capable of playing at a higher level.

“We’ll have a look at him and see what happens.”

Witton return to action once more at Vodkat North West Counties League Premier Division outfit New Mills tomorrow, Saturday, kick off 3pm.