MORE than two years have passed since Witton’s supporters watched a win as convincing as this one on home turf.

Back then, they led 4-0 inside 20 minutes against Stafford.

Carl Macauley’s men reached the same margin at a more sedate pace on Saturday, but a first league victory at Wincham Park for the former Marine manager is the latest marker of his side’s steady progress.

Their forward steps are small ones, though the sense that Albion are standing still is at least fading away.

Chairman Mark Harris described last year as ‘dreadful’ in his programme notes, so to start 2016 with maximum points is reason to be optimistic.

Indeed Harrogate, after a shaky start, were humbled with the minimum of fuss.

After playing only on match since mid-November, the visitors had energy to burn.

Chris Ovington ought to have scored from close range when Lawrence Hunter’s corner landed at his feet, but Albion goalkeeper Andy Firth diverted his shot to safety.

And from the resulting flag kick, Ryan Sharrocks’ header was smuggled off the line by Michael Wilson.

Sufficiently jolted, Witton took the lead shortly afterwards.

After Danny Andrews’ low free kick was deflected his way, Jamie Matthews was alert enough to prod the loose ball beyond custodian Thomas Stewart.

The striker, standing in for injured Alex Titchiner, then turned provider on 26 minutes.

He scorched past two defenders on the left before squaring for Andrews to steer in a volley from inside the six-yard box.

Albion quickly assumed control, seeking often to exploit Matthews’ speed against opponents playing a high defensive line.

By the time Ryan Ellison sliced wide Harrogate, victors in only one of their previous dozen Division One North games, had wilted visibly.

Any resistance they had left evaporated five minutes into the second period when Billy Reeves, after fellow loanee Michael Brewster had flicked on, burst clear before placing a smart finish out of Stewart’s reach.

The Port Vale midfielder was the hosts’ outstanding performer.

They increased the lead to 4-0 when Rob Hopley’s looping header, from Andrews’ swerving cross, arced into the far corner.

And a fifth goal followed six minutes later, this time after Reeves’ dazzling dribble was halted by a defender’s mistimed tackle.

Andrews jabbed the resulting spot kick forcefully past Stewart.

Albion shut out their opponents at the other end, keeping a first clean sheet in front of their own fans since the season’s opening day.

“We didn’t want to let them score!” admitted Macauley afterwards.

“That way we end the game feeling positive about everything.”

There will be tougher tests to follow, starting next Saturday at in-form Burscough, but Albion will be less daunted than they might have been previously.

Witton | 4-4-2 | Firth (GK), Gardner, Ellison, Wilson, Dawson, Brewster (Parker 78), Reeves, Schofield (Roddan 57), Andrews, Matthews, Hopley (Parle 86) Sub not used Garner (GK) Goals Matthews 14, Andrews 26, 73 (penalty), Reeves 50, Hopley 67

Harrogate | 4-4-2 | Stewart (GK), Parkes, Hunter, Low, Coates, Thirkell, Sharrocks (Bromley 70), Peers (Robinson 65), Ovington (Day 60), Stockdill, Mason Subs not used Goodwin (GK), Wood Booked Parkes (foul)

Referee Thomas Kirk

Attendance 267