BRADLEY Bauress not only scored twice but conjured Witton Albion’s other goal as they made sure former manager Scott Dundas’ return was a miserable one.

While not at their best, the hosts were still far too good for opponents that had occupied third place in the table at kick-off.

Indeed, Carl Macauley’s men have despatched Newcastle twice now this season.

Bauress’ brilliant left foot played a starring role in their best moments, initially when he adjusted to steer in Tom Owens’ cut-back from the by-line to open the scoring on 12 minutes.

Steven Tames’ awareness, and cushioned pass for Owens to sprint on to, is worthy of mention.

It was an eventful afternoon for the on-loan front man, who was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off for shoving James Askey to the floor after Town’s captain had deliberately trodden on his foot.

Paradoxically, the defender’s risible fall probably persuaded referee Ben Speedie to show mercy.

The visitors were left wishing he hadn’t, particularly when Kyle Blake tripped Tames inside the penalty area after he spun cleverly away from Luke Askey shortly after the interval.

Speedie pointed to the spot, and Bauress swept in his 15th goal of the campaign with minimum fuss.

Feeling assured with a 2-0 lead, Witton produced their best spell of the contest.

Tames shot meekly, and straight at goalkeeper Dave Parton, after scampering onto Rob Hopley’s flick-on.

Bauress then dithered too long when both of Albion’s front men were better-placed before redeeming himself with a delicious assist to send Hopley clear.

However Parton blocked the striker’s angled attempt with a boot.

Newcastle, who included three ex-Albion players in their starting line-up, never looked likely to recover.

Even a double substitution, when Dundas introduced Jon Beaumont and Roland Agbor, had negligible impact.

Instead they fell further behind when Tames lifted a cute finish over Parton – claiming a goal his individual display deserved – after Bauress swept a perfectly-weighted pass into his path.

Job done, Macauley duly sent on teenage forwards Tolani Omotola and James Sloane to give his main men a breather.

Newcastle’s better moments were all in the first half, when Joe Thomas’ rising attempt prompted Danny Roberts to save.

The same player felt he ought to have been awarded a penalty after taking a tumble when Prince Haywood pinched the ball from him, but Speedie was unimpressed.

Albion threatened rarely before the break, although Tames skidded a header narrowly wide from a Bauress free kick.

Paul Williams’ drive dipped fractionally too late after he glided into a shooting space too.

Instead Witton put the disappointment of a midweek defeat at Market Drayton, when they conceded a decisive goal in stoppage time, behind them during an improved second-half performance.

It was worth the wait.

“These lads just hate losing,” mused Macauley afterwards.

“We knew they’d react [after Tuesday], and they were desperate to collect three points again.

“They feel better now.”

Witton | 4-4-2 | Roberts (GK), Gardner, Brown, Wilson, Devine, Haywood (Hickman 67), Owens, Williams, Bauress, Hopley (Sloane 88), Tames (Omotola 82) Subs not used Lycett, Hinchliffe Goals Bauress 12, 56 (penalty), Tames 77 Booked Tames (ungentlemanly conduct)

Newcastle | 4-4-2 | Parton (GK), Bradbury (Beaumont 64), James Askey, Luke Askey, Bridge, Baker, Green, Blake, Cocks (Urwin 13), Cropper, Thomas (Agbor 64) Subs not used Smith, Fogg Booked Blake (foul)

Referee Benjamin Speedie

Attendance 310