Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened

A place in the FA Cup first round continues to elude Witton Albion, and their wait to return enters a 24th year.

They would dearly have loved to mark a 100th appearance in the competition by making it there in a week when Carl Macauley celebrated three years in charge.

That Solihull Moors were deserving winners, and thoroughly so, will perhaps numb some of the pain.

But Witton’s players have nothing to be ashamed of; three successive wins in this season’s edition, two of them against National League North sides in the form of Spennymoor and FC United of Manchester, took their club to the fourth qualifying round for only the second time since 1995.

Deploying Delial in a different way

Selecting Delial Brewster from the start for only the second time this season suggested Witton may adopt a 4-3-3 formation.

Instead Carl Macauley stationed the 20-year-old at the point of a midfield diamond, inviting him to use his speed to unsettle Solihull’s defence with bursting runs from a deeper position.

The theory was put into practice when he scorched into the visitors’ penalty area on 15 minutes before a cross was smuggled for a corner.

“We were caught a couple of times when they tried to hit us on the break,” said Solihull manager Tim Flowers.

“Their number eight [Brewster] had a yard of pace and he got in a couple of times to cause half-scrambles.”

Brewster tired after the interval, and made way for Will Booth on 63 minutes.

Northwich Guardian:

Delial Brewster makes forward progress for Witton Albion during their FA Cup encounter with Solihull Moors at Wincham Park on Saturday. Picture: Karl Brooks Photography

Witton’s carelessness in possession

Solihull were patient on the ball, content not to try and force an opening.

It meant Witton had to work hard to take it off them, which they duly did.

However too often that was followed by a hurried and inaccurate pass or, worse, a hopeful punt towards Rob Hopley.

Albion’s captain met his match in the air in the form of central defenders Liam Daly and Alex Gudger, and couldn’t always hold up play while waiting for support.

By giving up possession so soon after winning it back, Witton invited pressure from their guests.

If that didn’t always lead to shots at their goal, it certainly meant more running and in turn tiredness towards the end of each half.

In praise of River Humphreys

Not for the first time this season, his was an outstanding performance at the heart of Witton’s defence.

An outstanding block in the second-half prevented a certain goal, as did a perfectly-timed tackle to thwart another opponent in shooting stride with only goalkeeper Greg Hall to beat.

Along with Josh Wardle, the 28-year-old had to be alert at every moment to the clever movement of Adi Yussuf.

The Solihull attacker was equally adept at holding up play as he was at spinning into a space behind Albion’s back-line, and darted between the two of them to put the visitors in front.

On the whole though, Witton defended with admirable discipline and concentration marshalled by Humphreys.

Northwich Guardian:

River Humphreys challenges Solihull Moors strierk Adi Yussuf for the ball during Witton Albion's FA Cup clash with the National League club on Saturday. Picture: Karl Brooks Photography

Where next for Witton?

In literal terms, to Chester.

A Cheshire FA Senior Cup encounter is an opportunity for Carl Macauley to consider alternative solutions in attack.

Delial Brewster still needs more time to sharpen up, while newcomers Shane Williams and Gareth Arnison are certain to play at least some part in proceedings.

Rob Hopley and Will Jones are the manager’s main men, but a return of 11 goals in as many Northern Premier League games is a concern.

A trip to Whitby follows in the FA Trophy next weekend before Kidsgrove visit Wincham Park for an Integro League Cup tie.

At the forefront of Macauley’s mind though is a need for points to climb the Premier Division table.

“We’ve work to do,” he said after full-time on Saturday.