IT had to be him.

Although Jamie Rainford was not the only player on the pitch with a point to prove to his former club he, inevitably, was decisive.

The striker, previously at Marine during three different spells, scored the game’s only goal – his sixth in the past five fixtures – with 15 minutes left.

With him in that form Albion, the better side despite pilfering a winner during their hosts’ best spell of the contest, can be optimistic of avoiding the drop with a degree of comfort.

To do the same Marine, with painful irony, will probably need a Rainford.

Tony Sullivan’s men, superior during the first half when ex-Albion goalkeeper Matt Cooper’s saves prevented the points from being theirs by the break, had to be resolute.

They needed a stroke of luck too; in the seconds before they scored, Jamie Henders’ handball – when stretching to block Joel Bembo-Leta’s cross – was not spotted by the referee.

Character is another essential quality to survive a relegation battle, and Albion have shown that in abundance to win five of their past eight league matches.

That run of results has put six points between them and the Premier Division’s bottom four and, for the first time since September, within sight again of mid-table.

They might have been beyond Marine’s reach inside 20 minutes.

Christian Langos cleared Zac Corbett’s shot off the line and Cooper reacted smartly to parry Luke Clark’s drive during early Witton dominance.

His next save, with an outstretched boot after Danny Andrews’ effort had deflected off Sean Hessey, was brilliant.

An attempt from Rainford flashed wide, while Bembo-Leta’s block to divert Henders’ goal-bound shot was timed perfectly.

Witton survived a scare too when John Shaw, another ex-Mariner, prevented Langos’ shot from sneaking in after the visitors had failed to clear a free kick.

Henders prodded wide early in the second period but, backed by a swirling wind, Marine pushed their guests deeper and substitute Lewis Codling promptly forced Albion custodian Andy Robertson to save for the first time.

Witton were worried most though by Langos’ speedy dribbling, which almost provided a breakthrough when a teasing centre was not converted by the diversionary touch it needed.

Henders, whose forced retreat symbolised the mounting pressure his side had to absorb, then steered a crossed ball for a corner with a hand.

The smile with which he greeted the rancour of Marine’s supporters was one of part relief, the other part mischief.

Rainford rifled a shot past Cooper at his near post when Witton attacked next, a feat he celebrated with fervour.

His teammates did likewise upon hearing the final whistle, before which Langos had fluffed Marine’s clearest chance when nudging a tame attempt into Robertson’s hands after the two came face-to-face.

Albion had stood firm, something they didn’t do late in the same fixture last season.

That they did so in a game played without two defenders crucial to their improved form – now-departed Ben Harrison and Sam Barnes – is not insignificant. 

Marine (3-5-2) Cooper (GK), Bembo-Leta, Nicholas, Hessey, Wainwright (Fearnehough 55), Foley, Clair, Owens (Codling 46), Lea, Langos, Ellams Subs not used Mitchison (GK), Goulding Booked Lea (foul)

Witton (3-5-2) Robertson (GK), Gardner, John Shaw, Corbett, Gibson (Titchiner 70), Joe Shaw, Clark (De La Bastide 87), Andrews, Dawson, Henders, Rainford Subs not used Porter (GK), Weeder Goal Rainford 76 Booked Gibson, Dawson, Joe Shaw (all fouls)

Referee Peter Gooch (Wigan)

Attendance 393