WITTON Albion, wearers of three different shirt designs when these teams last met, suffered no such identity crisis this time.

Surer of themselves now than in November, Brian Pritchard’s men were distinct for their determination – as well as a dash of class when called for – to pick up maximum points.

The contest, briefly in the balance either side of the break, was in the visitors’ complete control inside five minutes.

It was fitting, with a fierce wind behind them, that they should blow away opponents whose defence offered only flimsy resistance in the early stages.

Top scorer Shaun Tuck twice had a clear sight of goal after gaping holes appeared in Grantham’s backline, then Danny Andrews’ attempt scraped a post.

The winger, architect of Albion’s winner at FC United seven days’ earlier, designed their opener after latching on to Steve Foster’s clever flick.

Fortune favoured Witton when a defender’s touch diverted the ball towards Josh Hancock, but there was work to do when he steered a sweetly-struck shot into net.

Grantham gave away the ball in midfield soon afterwards, Andrews sweeping it quickly into Tuck’s path. That route led to goal, the striker squeezing a shot under goalkeeper Jake Turner.

The Gingerbreads’ net-minder made a more decisive touch on 24 minutes, clawing Anthony Gardner’s shot to safety after Foster and Andrews had again combined smartly.

Invisible in attack previously, the hosts halved their arrears from the next attack.

Danny Elliot’s drive stretched Matt Cooper, Witton’s custodian seeing the ball squirm from his grip long enough for fast-reacting Gio Carchedi to force it over the line.

Hancock’s emphatic free kick, swerved with power past Turner before he could react, restored Albion’s two-goal advantage eight minutes later.

There was controversy in its context; referee Grant Taylor punishing Lee Ridley for obstruction when he smothered the ball between his legs to prevent Foster pinching it.

Grantham’s full back swung an arm at Witton’s skipper in a squabble afterwards, the match official opting for leniency when he showed a yellow card.

Hancock, with a swish of his right boot, ended the argument with aplomb.

Albion players ought to have sat with greater discomfort through half time though, but Jordan Smith blazed wildly off target with the goal at his mercy following Elliot’s free kick.

With Grantham gale in their faces for the second half, Witton will have forecast more damage.

And their resistance might have been tested had Cooper not blocked brilliantly at point-blank range to stop substitute Karl Demidh’s shot on 61 minutes

The Gingerbreads’ belief crumbled instead.

Defender Adie Hawes timed perfectly a last-ditch interception to prevent replacement Jason Oswell converting Hancock’s low cross, then Foster failed to make Turner toil after charging down an attempted clearance.

Witton, requiring a result following Tuesday’s tumble against AFC Fylde, were for the remainder the one their travelling fans recognise.

One statistic – Albion have lost only once away from home against a team from the table’s bottom half, was never likely to need an amendment.

Witton Star Man: Josh Hancock. Ended the week on a high, with a brace of goals. His was a better interaction with full back Mathew Wood than against AFC Fylde, both in defence and attack.

A word too for Oliver James, who thrives in contests like this. Stamped his authority on midfield from the outset.

Grantham (4-4-2) Turner (GK), Purcicoe (Watson 86), Ridley, Hannigan, Hawes, Meikle, Elliot (Kallum Smith 74), Lewis, MacVicar, Jordan Smith, Carchedi (Demidh 60). Subs not used Martin (GK), Asher. Goal Carchedi 26. Booked Ridley (retaliation), Elliot (foul)

Witton (4-4-2) Cooper (GK), Gardner, Harrison, Joseph, Wood (Horne 45), Andrews, James, Powell, Hancock, Tuck (Oswell 67), Foster. Subs not used Plant (GK), Shaw, Sheehan. Goals Hancock 4, 34 Tuck 8. Booked James, Powell (both fouls)

Referee Grant Taylor (Weston-on-Avon)
Attendance 210