TONY Sullivan almost missed his side rise from the relegation zone after winning a third league game in their past four attempts.

The Witton manager’s car broke down while he made his way to Wincham Park, meaning he arrived shortly before kick off with the help of a tow truck.

Fortunately Albion avoided a delay in their journey up the table.

After a slow start, the hosts moved smoothly through the gears to see off Stamford.

The Daniels know only defeat on visits to this part of Northwich, and they were on course for another by the break.

Sullivan savoured the performance of substitute Jamie Rainford afterwards, the front man’s two goals softening the blow of losing Alex Titchiner to injury midway through the first half.

“Jamie doubts how good he is,” said Witton’s boss.

“I don’t because I already know, but he’s proved to himself what he’s capable of. That will help him, and us.”

Rainford’s finishing was ruthless, an adjective that could not be attached to Stamford’s shooting at the other end.

They too were shorn of their top scorer through injury, Ryan Robbins watching from the stand with a broken ankle in plaster.

The visitors began brightly, though only Josh Moreman’s weak attempt caused goalkeeper Dean Porter to dirty his gloves.

Witton, struggling until then for fluency, scored from their first shot on target after 28 minutes.

Jon Dawson’s driven cross from the left reached Danny Andrews, who used the pace of the ball to steer it into the net.

Jolted, Albion were at last awake.

Rainford forced custodian Andy Stevens to parry to his left after Jamie Henders had flicked on, then from the resulting corner Zac Corbett prodded over with the goal at his mercy.

A second goal arrived on 39 minutes, when Rainford controlled exquisitely Anthony Gardner’s lofted free kick before squeezing a shot into the bottom corner.

Stamford ought to have halved their arrears early in the second period, but debutant Jorrin John blazed wildly off-target after Jordan Smith conjured a chance.

Moreman spun and shot slickly shortly afterwards, but his effort lacked power to trouble Porter.

Joe Shaw drilled wide for Witton, while Stevens clawed the ball from Rainford when he tried to dribble around him.

The Daniels did beat Porter after he flapped unconvincingly on 77 minutes, but Ben Harrison cleared off the line when Tom McGowan nudged a shot in his direction.

Witton settled the outcome with six minutes left, Rainford rattling in from an angle after showing greater determination than Stamford substitute Lewis Jackson to reach a loose ball in the penalty area.

Chairman Mark Harris has set a target for Albion to pick up at least eight more points from their remaining matches this month.

Three are at home against teams in the table’s bottom half.

Sullivan said: “I’d love us to have 50 points by January 1! No, seriously, we want to keep winning games to get away from the thick of the battle at the bottom.”

Witton (3-5-2) Porter (GK), Barnes, Harrison, John Shaw, Gardner, Joe Shaw, Corbett, Andrews, Dawson (Gibson 86), Henders (Clark 79), Titchiner (Rainford 26) Subs not used Swift (GK), Ainscough Goals Andrews 28, Rainford 39, 84

Stamford (4-5-1) Stevens (GK), Clarke, Carr, Bettles (Challinor 62), Jellyman (Jackson 76), Moreman, McGowan, Lawlor, Shariff, John, Jordan Smith Subs not used Staff, Gould Booked Moreman (foul), John (simulation)

Referee Andrew Cawtherley

Attendance 307