WITTON Albion have earned another three points towards their battle for survival in the Northern Premier League top flight.

Harry Bower struck in the 90th minute to seal a 1-0 win against in-form Lancaster City 1-0 at the Giant Axe.

The 21-year-old pacy winger, a former England Colleges international who joined Albion on loan from AFC Telford in March, had only come off the bench in place of Nathan Okome eight minutes earlier.

He may never have scored a more important goal.

 

His effort, and Basford United's 1-0 loss at home to Matlock Town, means Carl Macauley's side have reduced the gap - that would take them out of the second automatic relegation spot - to five points with a game in hand.

Stalybridge Celtic are now the side fourth from bottom, eight points ahead of Witton after their 4-0 home loss today and, like Witton, have three games left to play.

Albion host 13th-placed Radcliffe on Saturday and then play-off chasing Warrington Town on Monday needing to maintain their winning run to keep their survival chances alive.

Meanwhile, 1874 Northwich hammered relegated Market Drayton Town 7-0 in NPL West at Townfield.

Mike Koral and Matty Fenton each bagged a brace of goals in what was 74's biggest home league win to date.

The highlight was probably the last goal in the 80th minute from Cal Gardner, a 40-yard wonder strike.

Jamie Reed and Scott McGowan were the two other scorers, both netting in a first half which finished 4-0.

1874 will next be in action away to Kendal on Saturday and then have a tasty home contest with their old North West Counties rivals and current title chasers Warrington Rylands on Monday.