Lincoln United 1 Witton Albion 0

12:15pm Monday 20th August 2007

WITTON stuttered to a single goal reverse against 10-man Lincoln.

The Lilywhites gave Albion a glimpse of what this season may hold in store as they combined a stubborn streak and a dash of cynicism to find a winning formula.

Jim Vince's men failed where it matters most - in front of goal.

They dominated possession for long periods but, first half efforts by Mark Peers and Alex Brown aside, they failed to test Lincoln keeper Ben Scott.

Not even the sending off of sub Craig McGuinness for a horrendous tackle on Tom Spearritt afforded them an advantage.

The home team's intentions had been obvious from the start when both Ian Screaton and Ben Brown incurred the wrath of Rotherham referee Michael Bell but Danny Brooks, who went on to score the only goal, got away with an even wilder challenge on Peers.

Attempt Jon Kennedy stopped Giovanni Carchedi's shot but it was 20 minutes before Albion's first attempt when Peers saw his strike saved by Scott.

Vince introduced Dorryl Proffitt after the interval and for a time the extra injection of pace looked like it might bring dividend but, when Barras tweaked his hamstring, the whole shape of the side changed.

Albion's best attacking move of the second period came when Liam Brownhill embarked on a 70-yard excursion upfield, cutting in from the left before sending his shot outside the far post.

The Lilywhites scored the game's only goal soon afterwards.

Carchedi's corner picked out unmarked Brooks at the back post and he headed firmly into the top corner.

McGuiness, only on the pitch for nine minutes, scythed Spearritt down seconds later to receive his marching orders yet still Lincoln called the tune.

Kennedy superbly tipped over a rasping shot from the left before Spearritt attempted to pull the scores level when he sent the best effort of the second period just past the post.

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Star Man: Liam Brownhill

Albion (4-4-2): Kennedy, Spearritt, Pritchard, Barras (Crowe 57), Brownhill, Peers, Brown, Dillon (Proffitt 55), Lloyd (Danylyk 67), Brodie, Warlow

Attendance: 195.