TONY Sullivan has told his players not to worry about the results of their rivals to avoid relegation from the Northern Premier League’s top flight.

Witton were 2-1 victors against Ramsbottom on Saturday, but wins for Nantwich and Matlock leave Albion still three points from a position of safety.

They visit Trafford, two places below them, next weekend.

“Teams above us won, but there’s nothing I can do about that,” said Sullivan.

“I can’t wave a magic wand to make them lose.

“What I can control is what happens to us, I can influence whether we win. That’s all that matters.

I said on Friday that it’s important to keep our feet on the ground, and to stay calm.

“It’s the same after a win – there’s no need to panic.”

He admitted to the Guardian that protecting a slender advantage against 10-man Ramsbottom had left him uneasy.

In the end Jamie Rainford’s second goal, on the hour, proved to be a match-winning one.

The birthday boy had opened the scoring before the break, only for Jamie Rother to restore parity with a spectacular strike from distance.

Sullivan said: “A third goal would have settled things, and allowed us to pass the ball with a bit more freedom.

“Instead we made hard work of it at times and when you’re in the position we are, and start to miss chances, you wonder if you’ll get over the line.

“But our second goal was a joy to watch, as well as a relief to see go in!

“It’s a big win for us, one that will make the players believe.”

He saved praise too for Rainford, who has now scored eight goals in 14 league starts since arriving at Wincham Park in October.

The 27-year-old is only the second player, behind Danny Andrews, to reach double figures for Witton this season in all competitions.

“We know Jamie is capable of what he showed,” added Sullivan.

“He hasn’t done anything we don’t know he can.

“I’ve read some people say they don’t think he works hard enough. Well, you’ve seen his quality again.”