WITTON Albion have been smiling for the past seven days.

They’ve scored 10 goals, ended a decade-long wait to reach the FA Trophy first round and then spooked higher-ranked opponents on arriving there.

It says much of their progress under Carl Macauley that they could be forgiven for feeling disappointed not to have eliminated Chester.

That would have seemed a fantasy for the ex-Marine manager in the summer, when he toiled to persuade players they could flourish at Wincham Park.

Those he did talk around continue to do exactly that.

The challenge, of course, is to maintain this rich vein of form.

Their Cheshire neighbours will be overwhelming favourites now to progress to the last 32, but a replay on Tuesday will be no breeze for them.

Jon McCarthy, a former favourite at Witton’s town rivals Northwich Victoria as a player and now in charge at Chester, admitted as much after the final whistle.

“I’m just glad we’re still in the competition,” he said.

Had it not been for the brilliance of goalkeeper Alex Lynch, who contorted his body in stoppage time to save Karl Noon’s deflected shot, then they would not have been.

He made a more orthodox block with a boot to thwart Brad Bauress shortly afterwards.

Albion’s late insurgence is evidence they felt their best chance to cause an upset was in front of their own supporters – a feat they so nearly accomplished in an absorbing finale.

They kept their heads while Chester forward Kane Richards, dismissed after being booked a second time for a needless foul on Matty Devine, lost his.

Blues were not hanging on – Witton’s pressure was not persistent enough – but they were uncomfortable.

It’s a sensation that lasted throughout the second half, which they started with a 1-0 lead given to them by Jordan Chapell’s goal before the break.

Noon scooped high from Tom Owens’ cut-back after the interval, then Owens fired even higher after Devine’s free kick dropped into his path.

Bauress was more accurate on the hour, firing in after Owens’ initial effort had been smuggled off the line by a defender.

Albion then cursed their luck when Noon’s angled attempt rattled the crossbar – possibly diverted there by the merest of touches from Lynch – after Hopley prodded a pass his way.

They had created fewer chances in an even opening period.

Elliott Durrell’s dipping volley after half an hour marked a first attempt at goal, and Chester took the lead shortly afterwards when Chapell nodded in from close range after Richards redirected James Alabi’s cross at the back post.

Richards ought to have doubled his side’s advantage, but steered badly off-target from another Alabi assist.

Albion rallied, and Lynch was alert when Hopley attempted to lift the ball over him.

However Blues’ custodian relied on Sam Hughes to keep Witton out when they next attacked, the full-back preventing a certain goal after Tolani Omotola scampered onto Noon’s pass.

Macauley reflected afterwards on a perfect week.

“This group will never give up,” he said.

It felt like a reminder to Chester their job is far from done.

Witton | 4-4-2 | Roberts (GK), Lycett (Gardner 58), Brown, Wilson, Devine, Owens, Haywood, Noon, Bauress, Hopley, Omotola Subs not used Adigun, Hickman, Garner (GK) Goal Bauress 59 Booked Wilson (foul), Gardner (dissent)

Chester | 4-4-2 | Lynch (GK), Hughes, Hudson, Astles, Hunt (Waters 74), Chapell, Shaw (Joyce 79), Lloyd, Durrell (George 79), Alabi, Richards Subs not used Horwood, Marsh Goal Chapell 36 Booked Richards, George (both fouls) Sent off Richards (second caution)

Referee Steven Rushton

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