CARL Macauley believes his team have defied expectation to challenge Shaw Lane for the title.

Witton Albion start the weekend level on points with the Ducks at the Northern Premier League’s Division One South summit following a 2-2 draw with Spalding last night.

At the turn of the year, they were eighth in the table and 11 points adrift of their rivals.

By February 1, the gap was wider still.

“We’ve done brilliantly just to be in contention,” said the Witton boss.

“I know my lads will have driven home last night and feel frustrated not to have won after being 2-0 up.

“But we’ve come such a long way.

“When you’re so far behind – in double figures in terms of points – you ask yourself ‘how are we going to close that gap?’

“We’ve done exactly that though, and these players have got us into a position with five games left from which we can still win the title.

“Let’s see what happens.

“I predict both of us will drop points between now and the end of the season, but we’re determined to give it our best shot.

“If Shaw Lane win all five games, then we’ll congratulate them because they’ll deserve to be promoted as champions.”

Albion head to Gresley tomorrow, opponents they saw off at Wincham Park back in January.

However the Moatmen are finishing the campaign strongly, and had been unbeaten in four league matches before a 3-1 reverse at home to in-form Lincoln United last weekend.