WITTON will wait for another year to play in the FA Trophy’s first round after their latest run was ended by a former Northwich player.

Jordan Johnson’s double either side of the interval settled the encounter in lower-ranked Leek’s favour, ending abruptly Albion’s nine-match unbeaten run in league and cup.

The Division One South leaders were deserving winners too despite being second best during the first half.

Kyle Wilson’s shot had curved off target and Blues’ goalkeeper Ben Chapman made a stunning stop to his left to divert Josh Hancock’s free kick to safety as Witton pressed for an opener.

Hancock’s next attempt from a set piece was struck even more sweetly, flying into the top corner after Danny Andrews dummied to shoot.

Leek levelled in the seconds before the break, perhaps a catalyst for their improvement after it.
Sam Hall slipped a pass to Johnson, who steered a smart finish past custodian Matt Cooper.

The ex-Vics wide man then swelled his season goal tally to 20 midway through the second period, blasting a free kick through Witton’s flaky defensive wall from a central position just outside the penalty area.

Hall thought he had headed a third for Leek shortly afterwards, only for referee Barry Cropp to scratch off his goal as punishment for a foul.

Albion’s attacking threat was intermittent, though Danny Smith’s tackle denied Neville Thompson a near-certain leveller.

The front man shot too close to Chapman when off-balance, while a scramble soon afterwards ended with the ball squirming across the six-yard box.

Leek, conquered at this stage two terms ago by Brian Pritchard’s men, made sure there was to be no repeat.

Witton (4-4-2) Cooper (GK), Brown, Harrison, Joseph, Moyo (Gardner 61), Andrews, Breeze, Powell (Dawson 75), Hancock, Wilson, Thompson Subs not used Plant (GK), Purcell, Moseley Goal Hancock 26 Booked Powell (foul), Andrews (dissent)

Leek (4-3-3) Chapman (GK), Smith, Donnelly, Bratt, Bell, Hall, Danylyk, Shelley (Husbands 46), Johnson, Kinsey (Grice 79), Johnston (Dicker 90 +1) Subs not used Maguire, Hackney Goals Johnson 45 (+1), 64 Booked Johnson (simulation), Johnston (foul)

Referee Barry Cropp (Blackpool)
Attendance 290

Words by Jamie Thompson.