CARL Macauley admitted at the weekend that he had worked until the latest possible moment to get a team together to take on Lancaster City.

His task, to halt an alarming slide that in reality started more than a year ago, should not be underestimated.

Witton are unlikely now to contend for promotion back to the Premier Division this season, nor should talk turn to that during the early stages of the former Marine manager’s tenure.

He turns 45 on Thursday, and would dearly love to mark that by progressing in the FA Trophy next weekend.

Here’s where we think his initial focus should be:

 

Don’t look at the league table

FOLLOWING a 1-0 defeat at home to Lancaster on Saturday, Witton Albion slipped to the lowest position in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s Division One North since being relegated at the end of last season.

After nine defeats in 15 matches, they are closer to the North West Counties League than their stated aim of a top-five finish when Scott Dundas took charge in May.

The club is currently six points above the drop zone, although it is too early in the season to conclude they’re in a battle for survival.

On the contrary, chairman Mark Harris said in the days following Dundas’ dismissal last month that Albion should still be aiming for an instant return to the Premier Division.

He added: “I don’t believe the board’s expectation of promotion is unrealistic, particularly when backed with a budget to match.”

Witton’s current sequence includes five losses from their past-half dozen fixtures, and a promotion play-offs place surely can’t be demanded of the former Marine boss.

“I haven’t been set a specific target,” Macauley said following the final whistle at the weekend.

“There’s no reason why this group can’t climb the table – I’m confident it can compete, and one win can change things.

“Let’s work hard first on getting that as quickly as we possibly can.”

 

A case for the defence

WITTON have conceded more goals than they have scored at the other end of the pitch – rarely a formula for success.

Of the 30 leaked to date, close to half of those – 14 – have arrived in the past four games.

It is no coincidence that goalkeeper Danny Roberts, easily their player of the season so far, has missed those through injury.

However Albion announced on Friday evening that they had released the 26-year-old after receiving a seven-day notice of approach from a league rival.

Teenager Dominic Garner deputised during the former Norton United custodian’s absence, but his confidence is fragile after playing in heavy defeats at Farsley Celtic and then Mossley.

Another rookie, Andrew Firth of Liverpool’s Academy, made his debut against Lancaster at the weekend.

Albion, under Dundas and then a caretaker management team, have also fielded a number of different players at left back this term – among them Jon Dawson, now-departed Niall Green and recent recruit George Grayson.

Macauley is also likely to lose captain Darren Chadwick, who has asked to be transfer-listed after a change of job.

 

Northwich Guardian:

Jon Dawson has been Witton Albion's first choice to play left back this season

 

Appoint a captain, and quickly

DESPITE chairman Mark Harris insisting that Albion receive an appropriate fee for their skipper, the 24-year-old has made it clear to the club he wants out as soon as possible.

Strange then he has continued to wear the armband since Dundas’ departure last month.

In a young squad Michael Powell, Scott Lycett and Danny Andrews are the most senior.

Providing he wishes to stay, then the former – unless Macauley recruits from outside – is the most obvious candidate to be captain.

During a 20-minute cameo against Spennymoor last week, he was the outstanding performer of the pitch.

More than that, he roused those around him.

“Confidence is low, and we need to stick together,” Macauley admitted following Saturday’s defeat against Lancaster.

Pick Powell to lead then.

 

Stop away sides from enjoying a visit

APART from Division One North back-markers New Mills, only one team – Bamber Bridge – has collected fewer points than Albion in front of their own fans.

Since beating Ossett Albion on the season’s opening day, Witton have lost five of seven home league games.

Last season, they lost almost half of their matches at Wincham Park.

The year before, reverses in Northwich reached double figures.

Put simply, away teams aren’t scared of playing there. On the contrary, they revel in it.

Home supporters have not got on the players’ back despite a run of miserable performances on home turf.

Perhaps more worryingly, they’re staying away.

Saturday’s crowd – 258 – was the smallest to watch a weekend league fixture this season.

In a wider context, Albion remain one of the best-supported sides in the section with only three teams – Spennymoor, Glossop and Scarborough – able to boast of a higher average attendance so far.

 

Find a foil for Alex Titchiner

THE fans’ favourite has scored six goals in 12 league starts, encouraging considering the number of pairings he’s been part of.

That’s not counting the time he’s led the attack alone, or been stationed in a wide position.

Lee Cropper, Jamie Matthews and Ben Mills have all started games alongside the 24-year-old, while Andrews and Chris Baker have been able supporters – and regular scorers – when the formation has been 4-3-3.

Now-departed Baker, Cropper and Mills have contributed a third of Witton’s goals in Division One North between them and, while he has shown promise, Matthews still remains an unknown quantity.

Witton’s problems in defence require a more urgent solution, but Titchiner and Andrews cannot be expected to carry the burden of scoring for too long.

Whatever happened to Jamie Rainford…?

Northwich Guardian:

Alex Titchiner has been the only constant in Witton Albion's attack this season