WITTON, weary in both legs and mind from protecting precious points earned 48 hours earlier, were swotted aside by Stourbridge.

If anything, they could be grateful the Glassboys took mercy after settling the outcome of a one-sided contest in less than half an hour.

The hosts, without a victory in their previous three matches, were simply hungrier for one.

They led 2-0 inside 21 minutes, an advantage that would have been greater had it not been for slipshod shooting.

Albion custodian Andy Robertson played a part too, including one remarkable reaction save to block Luke Benbow’s flick from close range.

The visitors were troubled by Drew Canavan’s delivery from set pieces throughout, and it was from his corner that Exodus Geoghaghon powered in an opening goal after nine minutes.

Tony Sullivan’s men can feel a smidgen annoyed they were denied a leveller on 15 minutes when Luke Clark swerved a free kick directly onto the crossbar with Stourbridge goalkeeper Dean Coleman able only to admire.

Joe Shaw was floored by the impact of Kieran Morris’ contact when the pair raced towards the rebounded ball, but referee Robbie Dadley was right not to award a penalty.

What followed was one-way traffic.

Canavan’s driven cross was too firm for Kayeldon Brown to convert from inside the six-yard box, then Robertson stopped smartly from George Bowerman and then Benbow following Kyle Haines’ lung-busting raid down the right.

Stourbridge doubled their tally from their next attack, Benbow – with swagger – splitting the visitors’ defence after they had given the ball away to leave Brown with a simple task to sweep a shot into the corner.

Benbow bent an effort wide following further Witton carelessness in possession, then Robertson jabbed an instinctive boot in the way of the forward’s next attempt.

At the other end, Jamie Rainford, starved of service, conjured an opening on his own with a neat dribble only to skew his shot off-target.

Stourbridge, sensing their guests could not summon the energy for a recovery, stepped off the gas.

Witton flickered briefly following the introduction of Alex Titchiner to form a three-man attack, but improved approach play rarely ended with a shot at goal.

Instead the Glassboys scored again when the tireless Canavan skipped along the byline before cutting back for Bowerman to blast high into the net.

Benbow continued his personal duel with Robertson, but was denied once again when he shot straight from a free kick.

“We lost fairly and squarely,” said Sullivan afterwards.

“It’s pulled the rug from under some of my players’ feet.

“I was under no illusions the job was done, but maybe one or two in the group did.

“Stourbridge were comfortable, and 3-0 probably flatters us if we’re honest.

“They wanted it more, and had more in the tank than us.”

Stourbridge (4-4-2) Coleman (GK), Haynes, Morris, Geoghaghon, Knight, Canavan, Richards (Fitzpatrick 77), Broadhurst, Brown (McPike 80), Bowerman, Benbow (Morgan-Parker 88) Subs not used Tye, Grainger Goals Geohaghon 9, Brown 21, Bowerman 63

Witton (3-5-2) Robertson (GK), Gardner, John Shaw, Corbett (De La Bastide 81), Gibson, Clark, Joe Shaw (Titchiner 51), Andrews, Dawson, Henders (Koral 63), Rainford Sub not used Porter (GK) Booked Joe Shaw, Corbett (both fouls)

Referee Robbie Dadley

Attendance 404