WITTON Albion really do like to be beside the seaside.

Tom Owens’ late goal delivered for his side a first victory of a new season and a sixth in 10 visits to the Turnbull for a Northern Premier League fixture.

The midfielder’s touch, following a scramble after Rob Hopley intercepted an attempt by Daniel McWilliams to divert Cesaire’s cross to goalkeeper Jack Norton with his chest, was a decisive one.

He had been on target in the corresponding fixture last season, also won by Albion.

Carl Macauley made one change to a side that had finished strongly a 1-1 draw with Hyde United in midweek, recalling Danny McKenna in place of suspended Billy Smart.

There was little between the teams in the first-half, and Will Jones was denied by Jack Vaulks’ sliding challenge after Hopley teed him up.

At the other end, Junior Mondal was off-target before Greg Hall scrambled to push away Dale Hopson’s shot after his initial clearance went straight to Matty Tymon.

Norton was prompted into action too by James Foley’s fierce drive.

There was more goalmouth activity in the second-half, although McKenna missed the target.

Mondal’s shot was blocked before Adam Gell sliced wide when the ball deflected into his path.

James Yates created a chance for Hopley, but his effort was too close to Norton.

The outcome was the same when Hopley met Matty Devine’s cross from the opposite flank.

Witton, as they did on Tuesday, appeared more likely victors in the closing stages, and Jones went close with eight minutes left when Norton again intervened to deny him.

Owens’ moment followed, and with it Albion are up and running.

Whitby | Norton (GK), Rodham, McWilliams, McTiernan (Monkhouse 33), Vaulks, Weledji, Gell, Hopson, Mondal (Cameron Wilson 72), Tymon, Lawson (Parnaby 83) Subs not used Dixon, Sukar  

Witton | Hall (GK), Yates, Devine, Wardle, Humphreys, McKenna (Gardner 90), Cesaire, Owens, Hopley, Jones, Foley Subs not used Michael Wilson, Noone, Moore (GK) Goal Owens 87 Booked Humphreys (foul)

Referee Craig Dean

Attendance 333

Match report by Phil Chadwick