ASK them next week, and anybody who was at this game will have forgotten it.

If it was a test of nerve for Witton Albion, with a head-to-head with title-rivals Shaw Lane on the horizon, then they passed it easily.

Theirs was a stroll in the sunshine from the moment Steven Tames steered a smart finish past goalkeeper James Flinders after running onto Karl Noon’s clipped pass in the third minute.

Gresley did not give up, and were neat in possession, but they were invisible in the attacking third of the field.

Carl Macauley’s men were commanding victors, and they had maximum points secured by the break when Will Jones jabbed Tames’ driven cross into the net after Tom Owens had split the Moatmen’s defence.

If they were told during the interval that Shaw Lane were trailing at Newcastle, then it succeeded in hardening their resolve after it.

On a bone-dry pitch, made bobbly by wear and tear over the course of the season, they took not a single risk.

Goalkeeper Calvin Hare’s handling was flawless, while defensive duo Anthony Brown and Scott Lycett were dominant.

Mind you, they were never posed a problem by opponents that too often were careless with a decision or pass after reaching a promising position.

Albion were much more efficient, and Tames almost doubled his personally shortly after scoring after Jones teed him up.

Gresley's most notable effort was skidded wide by Reece Morris after he had cut inside from the right.

Owens shot feebly after Jones again conjured an opening, then the former Colwyn Bay front man sent a free header skywards from Noon’s corner.

Tames ought to have made it 2-0 on 34 minutes after ghosting on to Matty Devine’s perfectly-weighted chip, but he pulled his effort wide with only Flinders to bear.

He turned provider for Jones moments later though, and this time the finish was unerring.

Referee Mark Tinsley deserves credit too, allowing play to continue despite Dexter Morris-Clarke bundling over Noon in the build-up.

Skipper Jamie Barrett headed off target from Ben Harris’ corner at the other end.

The second half passed by almost without incident.

Tames drilled attempt skimmed the woodwork, while substitute Lucas Harrison dragged horribly wide for Gresley after a free kick was rolled into his path.

Noon lobbed high with the visitors’ final attempt, but by then they had long since been conserving energy for a sterner test to follow.

Rob Hopley played for half an hour as a substitute after Owens hurt his back falling awkwardly, but Macauley reported afterwards that his withdrawal was precautionary.

Jones and Bauress had breathers too before the end.

Gresley | 4-3-3 | Flinders (GK), Roome, Barrett (Hill 77), Wakeling, Egginton, Manship, Morris-Clarke, Browne, Morris (Harrison 71), Harris (Grouse 64), Melbourne Sub not used Walker Booked Roome (foul)

Witton | 4-4-2 | Hare (GK), Gardner, Brown, Lycett, Devine, Noon, Williams, Owens (Hopley 55), Bauress (Hickman 73), Jones (Omotola 72), Tames Subs not used Haywood, Roberts (GK) Goals Tames 3, Jones 39

Referee Mark Tinsley (Nottingham)

Attendance 305