TONY Sullivan had targeted a win against a manager he considers a mentor to move further from the relegation zone.

And in victory he achieved something none of his predecessors have; beating Skelmersdale at home in a league game.

Their lead, established by Zac Corbett in the first half, felt flimsy until seven minutes from time when Alex Titchiner’s persistence panicked Peter Wylie into a mistake.

Jamie Rainford slid home his strike partner’s perfect pass.

After losing, despite producing arguably a season-best performance, at home to King’s Lynn in midweek it was a timely reminder of Albion’s resilience under Sullivan.

They are five points clear of the bottom four with seven matches left, among them daunting meetings with three promotion hopefuls.

There remains work to do.

Witton are sturdier now though, better able to withstand pressure.

They did so at the start of the second period, when Skem improved significantly, to protect their single-goal advantage.

Danny Mitchley ought to have equalised when he scampered clear, only for Albion goalkeeper Andy Robertson to block his shot.

The striker then slammed the rebound against the crossbar despite seeming certain to score.

Substitute Mark Jackson was denied when John Shaw timed a tackle to divert his attempt, while Joe Shaw smuggled from the goal-line an Alan Burton effort following a corner.

After that the visitors’ momentum dissipated.

When Rainford steered in, there was relief around Wincham Park.

If Skem custodian Steve James hadn’t then saved at full stretch to deny Rainford, served by Titchiner’s impudent chip, the margin of victory might have been greater.

Titchiner was thwarted the same way when he cut inside from the right before shooting with his left foot.

The front man, a blur of activity throughout, deserved a goal as a reward for his endeavour.

But after almost four hours without scoring in front of their own supporters, Witton were nonplussed about who hit the net.

In the end Corbett did, blasting with power through a crowd of players after quarter of an hour after Joe Shaw’s header – from Danny Andrews’ corner – crashed against the woodwork.

Sam Barnes’ header almost crept in when he met another flag kick at the back post, while Andrews’ free kick dipped narrowly over shortly before the interval.

However when Rainford nets Witton can feel optimistic; they have yet to lose when his name has been on the scoresheet.

His nine Premier Division goals have each been precious.

Sullivan said: “I probably wouldn’t be a manager if it wasn’t for Tommy Lawson.

“His knowledge and advice has been invaluable, and he’s always been there for me when I’ve asked for his support.

“I don’t take satisfaction from beating his sides; we’ve had to be structured and do a professional job to get three points.

“Was it ugly? Yes probably, but that doesn’t matter.” 

Witton (3-5-2) Robertson (GK), Barnes, Goulding, John Shaw, Andrews, Corbett, Joe Shaw (Schofield 80), Clark (Parker 67), Dawson, Rainford, Titchiner (Molina 87) Sub not used Swift (GK) Goals Corbett 15, Rainford 83 Booked Clark (kicking ball away), Robertson (time wasting), Joe Shaw, Barnes (both fouls)

Skem (4-4-2) James (GK), Wylie, Strickland, McIntosh, Fernandes, Wright, Kirkbride (Woolcott 46), Burton, Mooney (Bellew 70), Whittington (Jackson 46), Mitchley Subs not used Holden, Rendell Booked Woolcott (dissent)

Referee James Mainwaring

Attendance 363