WITTON Albion will head to Clitheroe on Saturday aiming to keep the wolf from the door.

The hosts are among a pack of clubs attempting to hunt down Witton’s current play-off place in Northern Premier League West.

The 3-2 home loss to Prescot Cables on Saturday leaves Jon Macken’s men a little more vulnerable to being overtaken, with Clitheroe being one of three teams who are just three points behind fifth-place Witton.

A further five clubs are no more than six points adrift, some with one or two games in hand.

Macken will be hoping his troops can get back to the kind of form that saw that win games on the bounce until the Cablemen came to town.

“I thought Prescot worked harder than us, they had a little bit better quality than us, we were a little bit hesitant all over the park from the get-go,” said Macken.

“Overall, I can’t give enough credit to the lads for what they’ve done over the past couple of weeks but we can’t drop off.”

Witton went into the clash in mourning, following the loss of vice chairman Reg Hardingham, ex-player Keith Higgins and loyal supporter Eric Steele.

And all at the club have been left deeply saddened again this week after Chris Nicholl lost his battle with dementia.

Nicholl’s long professional career came after signing for Vics in 1966 and going on to make 109 appearances. He then joined Halifax Town, Luton Town, Aston Villa, Southampton and Grimsby as well as representing Northern Ireland 51 times.

He took to management in 1985 in charge at Southampton for six years and then Walsall between 1994 and 1997, while he became Northern Ireland’s assistant manager in 1998.

The funeral of Witton legend Higgins has been confirmed for Thursday, March 7, at Birches Crematorium, Lostock Green, at 11.30am.

Those attending are invited to wear Witton shirts or colours and all are invited back to Witton’s social club afterwards to help celebrate his life.

In other fixtures this Saturday, 1874 Northwich host Hanley Town, Northwich Victoria entertain Shifnal Town, Barnton visit Eccleshall, Winsford United head to Stockport Town, and Winsford Town make the journey to Stretford Paddock.

Vics are expected to have 21-year-old full-back Joe Hurst in their ranks after joining them on dual registration forms with Newcastle Town, plus Frazer Cookson who has rejoined on loan from Oldham Athletic.