WITTON Albion failed to score in front of their own supporters for only the second time this season following a stalemate with improving Lincoln United.

It leaves them nine points adrift of leaders Shaw Lane ahead of the promotion rivals’ first meeting of the campaign on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

The Whites, victors in each of their previous three Northern Premier League Division One South matches, went closest to opening the scoring midway through the first half when Andrew Toyne’s attempt struck an upright.

However Albion goalkeeper Ryan Crump, deputising for the injured Danny Roberts, reacted swiftly to save Conner Robinson’s header from the rebound.

At the other end, Witton captain Anthony Gardner’s flicked attempt came off the woodwork in the seconds before the break.

Manager Carl Macauley introduced Tolani Omotola, a match-winner on his previous substitute appearance against Belper, after an hour.

Lincoln created the clearest opening to claim maximum points though, but Jack McGovern steered over the crossbar when well-placed inside the area.

“It was a fair result,” reflected Albion’s manager.

“We played poorly in the first half, but improved in the second.”

He is likely to be without defensive lynchpin Anthony Brown in midweek after 26-year-old suffered a deep cut above his eye that required nine stitches during a visit to hospital.

Witton | Crump (GK), Gardner, Devine, Lycett, Brown, Williams (Omotola 61), Haywood, Owens, Hopley, Tames, Bauress Subs not used Noon, Reynolds, Wilson, Hinchliffe

Referee Alan Bennett

Attendance 277

Match report by Phil Chadwick and Andrew Simpson