WITTON Albion recovered from a sluggish start to reach the quarter finals at the expense of FC United of Manchester.

They trailed inside a quarter hour when Dean Stott applied a finishing touch at the far post following Cedric Krou’s flick-on from a free kick, a lead the visitors deserved.

Shaun Tuck fired off target as Albion, including midfielder Michael Powell on his home debut, at last showed signs of life.

An equaliser after half an hour proved a catalyst for their improvement, Tuck driving a perfectly-placed shot beyond the reach of ex-Witton custodian Jon Worsnop after Danny Andrews’ lofted assist had picked him out.

Stott turned saviour for the Rebels, blocking Joe Shaw’s goal-bound shot next to a post after the midfielder’s initial cross had been sent back in his direction.

Respite was fleeting for the visitors as Powell thumped a powerful header out of Worsnop’s reach from the resulting corner, taken by Andrews.

He ought to have added another goal shortly before half time, flicking feebly Oliver James’ clipped pass, perhaps fearing he was in an offside position.

Witton did score again nine minutes into the second half, Tuck’s speculative volley from Anthony Sheehan’s cross hitting Andrews en route past FC United’s goalkeeper.

The two teams traded chances after that, Greg Daniels firing narrowly off target before Andrews’ attempt from an acute angle hit the outside of an upright at the other end.

FC United’s best spell followed, substitute Jerome Wright’s drive from distance clipping the crossbar before Rhodri Giggs shot too close to net-minder Stuart Plant after arriving first to a loose ball.

Giggs made amends on 71 minutes, steering into an empty goal after Plant collided with Josh Glover when trying to clear.

Witton increased their lead again soon afterwards, Andrews slipping a smart finish past Worsnop after Sheehan supplied a well-timed pass to assist.

Stott speared in his second goal of the game, the visitors’ third, in stoppage time.
Witton, quarter finalists last year as a Division One North team when they lost to Kendal, have their sights set this time on the last four.

Witton (4-4-2) Plant (GK), Gardner, Meadowcroft, Glover (Ben Harrison 78), Wood, Shaw, James (Foster 72), Sheehan, Powell, Andrews (Ashworth 90), Tuck. Subs not used Hancock, Jamie Harrison. Goals Tuck 30, 54 Powell 38, Andrews 77

FC United (4-4-2) Worsnop (GK), Gray, Cheetham, Platt, Lacy, Stott, Mulholland, Krou (Cottrell 56), Giggs (Norton 76), Daniels, Walwyn (Wright 64). Subs not used Birch, Neville. Goals Stott 14, 90 (+4) Giggs 71. Booked Cottrell (foul), Norton (ungentlemanly conduct)

Referee Peter Gooch (Wigan)
Attendance 382