WITTON fans have plenty to feel positive about on the club’s return to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s top tier, according to chairman Mark Harris.

He told supporters at a forum on Wednesday that bigger crowds, plus community initiatives to attract future followers, are proof of Albion’s progress.

“The club has momentum, but it’s not a reason to take it easy,” he said.

“We have a new challenge, which is to create a legacy that leaves Witton in the strongest position they have ever been.

“Should we strive to raise the money to do that? My view is that we work hard to achieve exactly that so we can sustain ourselves at this level.

“It’s a big leap to move from the Northern Premier League to the Football Conference, but circumstances have given us an opportunity to make the jump.”

He said the club was not asking supporters for cash, but rather to donate their time to help with fund-raising initiatives in the coming months.

Manager Brian Pritchard echoed the chairman’s rallying call.

“Do we just want to consolidate and make sure we finish just above the relegation zone?” he asked.

“I would be gutted if that’s the case; this group of players has adapted well to playing at a higher level and have proved they are more than capable of competing at the top.”

Witton’s three-matches winning sequence stopped in a 4-2 defeat at home to Buxton on Saturday, but they remain in the Premier Division play-offs places.

A trip to Blyth Spartans, a team they have beaten twice already this term, awaits this weekend before neighbours Winsford United visit in the Mid Cheshire FA Senior Cup semi finals next Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.