WILL Jones was the outstanding individual during a performance at Buxton last weekend that manager Carl Macauley rated as among the best of his tenure.

The front man scored his first goal in a Northern Premier League top-flight match this season and Witton Albion went on to record a 5-0 victory.

That made him the obvious subject for our sports writer Andrew Simpson’s player interview:

AS: Was it as good being on the field last Saturday as it was for those of us watching?

WJ: It was nice to be in a game where everything went our way; it seemed as though the ball went in each time we had a shot!

We felt in control and we dominated the whole game after the first 10 minutes or so when we got bombarded a bit by them a bit.

The second goal helped, and we could hear them getting a rollicking from their management team at half-time.

Luckily we got a third early in the second-half and you could sense that they just gave up.

AS: Let’s talk about your goal. Describe how it felt.

WJ: It was just relief, nothing else! I’m a striker, and we’re judged on whether we score or not.

It’s not really happened for me in front of goal this season, although it’s not for the want of trying I can assure you.

Now I’m off the mark, I hope I can get a few more.

If I’m honest, occasionally I’m my own worst enemy because I like to drop in and help out in defence when we don’t have the ball and I haven’t got back into a position from where I can score.

That compromises me, and perhaps I need to be more selfish.

AS: Were you aware that some Buxton supporters joined in the applause when you were substituted?

WJ: That’s probably a first for me! I didn’t notice, no, because I was clapping towards our fans behind the goal.

A couple of people on the coach mentioned it though when we were on our way home.

Their supporters had been giving me earache about my weight earlier in the game, and so it’s good to know I won one or two of them over.

AS: You seemed to enjoy playing as a lone striker. How was that for you?

WJ: I played up front on my own for most of the season at Burscough when we reached the play-offs a few years ago.

So I’ve done it, and I’m used to it.

There is responsibility on you, more so than when there are two guys there, because you’re expected to hold up the ball and put yourself about a bit.

The lads in midfield made it so much easier for me though because they worked so hard to get around me when we had possession.

That’s an area we’ve tried to improve because at times when it’s been me and Rob [Hopley] up there together then we’ve been isolated and we’ve fallen into a trap of playing long balls to try and relieve some pressure.

Northwich Guardian:

Will Jones, pictured in action against Stalybridge Celtic earlier this month, demonstrated his versatility as a lone front man during a 5-0 thrashing of Buxton last weekend. Picture: Keith Clayton

AS: Attention turns back to the FA Trophy this weekend and another higher-ranked opponent. That doesn’t bother you though, does it?

WJ: I wouldn’t write us off! It’s probably fair to say Leamington will be expected to beat us; they’re at home and are in the league above.

But we’ve shown already this season, when we played Spennymoor and FC United in the FA Cup, that we can perform in these games.

AS: Why have Witton been able to produce those performances time and again in these big cup games. Is there a secret?

WJ: I’m not sure there is. As a non-league player, you always want to do as well as you can in the FA Cup because of the potential rewards.

For us, that’s a chance to play against a Football League side or to get on the TV.

Of course, we know the financial benefit to the club as well.

With all of those things in the mix then, and more things on the line – it’s a one-off game and rarely do you get a second chance – then I guess that’s why you sometimes find a bit more when you need to.

AS: With that in mind, was it important then for Witton to play how they did at Buxton in a league game?

WJ: We feel strongly that we’re in a false position in the table; we’re better than that.

There have been one or two occasions this season when we’ve had a kick in the teeth, or not played well, in a league game immediately after we’ve done well in the cup.

That consistency hasn’t been there yet, and that’s why we really wanted to make sure we put some points on the board [at Buxton].

If we play like that more often, then I’m confident we’ll rise up the league pretty quickly.

It can be frustrating switching between competitions and losing ground in the league because you don’t seem to find any rhythm.

We’ve seen it happen to one or two teams last season; they did well in the cups and found themselves with seven or eight games in hand.

But if you ask me whether I’d rather not have a run like we’ve had then I’d say ‘no’ every time.

We’ve enjoyed it, and hopefully we can for a little longer.