A WEEK that started with Witton Albion on top of the ladder is ending with them in seventh spot following successive losses.

On the back of Saturday’s home reverse to Rushall, Lancaster became the first team to score more than two goals past Albion this term.

A 3-0 deficit by half time left the visitors with a mountain to climb, and despite some improvement City striker Tom Kilifin went on to complete his hat-trick in the 86th minute.

“It was obviously disappointing with the scoreline and the performance as well,” said Witton's assistant manager Gary Martindale.

“Considering the form we’ve been in, and then having two defeats, I think we’ve just got to get back to basics and try to be as tight and compact as we possibly can be.

“Since we came into the club, the players have been absolutely tremendous.

“It’s probably the worst run of defeats, just two games, that we’ve been on and everyone will look at these results.

“But they’re a great group and we’ll look to bounce back [at home to Mickleover] on Saturday.”

Witton showed some improvement in the second half at Giant Axe.

“We got a lot more balls into their box, made their defenders defend a lot more, and we played a lot more in the final third.

“But it was too big a hill to climb.”

Will Jones and Rob Hopley passed fitness tests prior to kick-off and Martindale hopes the squad will be injury free by the weekend.

Lancaster | Powell (GK), Henry, Dugdale, Wills, Westwod, Steel, Sam Bailey (Hudson 83), Carney, Kilifin (Charlie Bailey 88), Meulensteen, Harries (Wood 83) Subs not used Akrigg, Winder Goals Dugdale 26 Kilifin 29, 35, 88

Witton | Neild (GK), Gardner, McKenna, Hedley (Williams 56), Brown, Ryan, Haywood, Foley, Hopley (Evans 88), Tames (Greenop 83), Jones Subs not used Wilson, Moore (GK)

Referee Christopher Porter

Attendance 206