WHEN Marc Joseph’s match-winning header hit the net against his former club, Witton – and those that follow them – most likely felt relief.

The ball crept in at goalkeeper Damian Clifton’s near post, only later followed by a realisation of just how important a goal it could turn out to be.

With three games left, Albion are four points better off than sixth-placed Rushall Olympic who have won only one of their past five matches following last night’s defeat against Worksop.

There should be caution though; the Pics still have a game in hand, plus are due at Wincham on the season’s final afternoon next month.

For now, Brian Pritchard can take comfort from victory in a match his side might easily have lost to a Kendal team spurred by a desire not to be relegated.

In a spell after the interval during which they restored parity, if only temporarily, the home team had Witton wobbling.

Captain Adam Freeland smuggled the ball over the line at the back post after Maison McGeechan’s corner was helped on, a goal threatened from the moment the second half started.

Albion, who had survived scares in an opening period they largely dominated, had a question to answer.

Indeed goalscorer Freeland, in a moment of unfortunate timing during a lull in support from the sidelines, shouted: “They don’t want it anymore.”

No doubt intended as encouraging word for his teammates, he was contradicted by Witton’s response.

Steve Foster sent a lofted pass from one side of the field to the other for strike partner Shaun Tuck to chase, but his finish – under pressure from a back-marker – was off target.

Foster’s skidded header, from Joseph’s free kick, forced Clifton to save unconvincingly soon afterwards.

From the resulting corner, driven low by Joe Shaw to the near post, Joseph directed the game’s decisive touch past the caught-out custodian.

It changed everything, most markedly the body language of his teammates.

Deflated at conceding a goal during their most promising period of play, Kendal’s energy sapped almost instantly.

Danny Andrews almost made them collapse, fizzing a shot just wide after substitute Anthony Sheehan’s cross reached him at the back post.

The wide man had gone closer than that in the first half, arcing a swerving shot against an upright after coming inside off the right touchline.

By then Witton had gotten lucky when Martin Grundy was woefully wasteful with a free header.

McGeechan was similarly charitable when, after Joseph failed to cut out a through-ball, he attempted to assist strike partner Aaron Taylor when better-placed well to shoot at goal.

Tuck’s volley flashed wide, then Witton’s top scorer turned provide for Foster following a sweeping counter attack that had a Kendal set piece as its catalyst.

Shaw found Tuck, who swept the ball through for Foster.

The ex-Chorley man kept cool when clear, waiting for Clifton to commit himself before rolling in an emphatic finish.

Witton, sent packing from here after an FA Cup tie in September, wore smiles at the final whistle this time.

Kendal (4-4-2) Clifton (GK), Cook, Lee, Freeland, Hastings (Wilson 82), Clark, Grundy, Vickers, Hoctor, Taylor (Rawnsley 73), McGeechan. Subs not used Robinson (GK), Maghan, Shields. Goal Freeland 56

Witton (4-4-2) Cooper (GK), Gardner (Sheehan 26), Harrison, Joseph, Horne (Powell 68), Andrews, James, Shaw, Hancock, Tuck (Oswell 71), Foster. Subs not used Plant (GK), Moseley. Goals Foster 35, Joseph 76. Booked Cooper (dissent)

Referee Peter Gooch (Wigan)
Attendance 200