Warrington 0 Witton 2 (WITH PICTURES) (From Northwich Guardian)

Witton Albion newcomer Chris Gahgan sinks former club Warrington Town

12:13am Wednesday 28th December 2011 in Match reports By Andrew Simpson

WITTON lost the match – and their manager – after their visit to neighbours Warrington last term.

There was no such drama this time.

Instead, two goals in the space of four second half minutes put paid to the Wire, propelling Brian Pritchard’s men back into the play-offs places.

Chris Gahgan’s third goal in as many matches since leaving Warrington set them on their way.

The visitors’ latest spot kick specialist, Anthony Sheehan, then opened his account from free hits after Danny Andrews’ dribble had been halted illegally.

It means Albion will start the New Year exactly where they want to be; in the table’s top five.

They started more swiftly in difficult conditions on a heavy pitch, Mathew Wood firing into the side netting after swapping passes with Josh Hancock.

Alex Titchiner was then denied by Warrington custodian Chris Oldfield, again from a Hancock assist, before shooting wide from the rebound.

Town had their chances too, the best when Anthony Hickey charged down Matt Cooper’s clearance only for the net-minder to recover with a smart save.

Former Witton front man Lee Madin wanted a penalty when he went down in the minutes before the break, but he was not indulged.

At the other end, ex-Warrington favourite Gahgan seemed certain to score when face-to-face with Oldfield but the goalkeeper palmed away his effort.

Sheehan sent a warning early in the second half when his shot grazed the bar following Wood’s fine approach play.

Witton led on 48 minutes, Hancock serving Titchiner who again forced Oldfield to save smartly after spinning away from his marker.

The ball ran loose, leaving Gahgan to score.

Andrews was tripped in the box soon afterwards by Steven Scott and, although Oldfield got his hand on Sheehan’s penalty, there was power enough to take it over the line.

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Warrington Oldfield (GK), Duffy, Scott (Rob Hardwick 75), Humphreys, Tom Hardwick, Hamid (Wright, 63), Collins, Shipton, Madin, Hickey, Cross
Subs not used Jackson, Winrow
Booked Scott, Hamid, Cross, Duffy, Hickey, Wright

Witton Cooper (GK), Gardner, Ben Harrison, Booth, Wood, Andrews, Schofield (James 36, Glover 90), Sheehan, Hancock, Gahgan, Titchiner (Buchan 82)
Subs not used Ennion, Woolley
Goals Gahgan 48, Sheehan 52 (penalty)
Booked Ben Harrison, Schofield, James

Referee David Croft
Attendance 302