CARL Macauley described Witton Albion’s victory at Hednesford Town as pragmatic after James Foley’s second-half penalty settled a close encounter.

The visitors were uncomfortable before the break, when goalkeeper Greg Hall made two fine saves to keep out the Pitmen, but took control following a change of formation.

Foley converted a spot-kick after he had been fouled and the Northwich side might have won by a greater margin after creating better chances than their hosts.

“It was a battle and we had to scrap,” said Macauley afterwards.

“They made five changes from their previous game and it threw us.

“We had to try and predict what they’d do and if I’m honest we didn’t get to grips with them in the first-half even though I felt we defended well.

“We adjusted our shape at half-time, we had to, and I felt it made a difference.”

Witton sent on Will Jones in place of Jordan Cobley, making his first start since a transfer from Barnton last week, and ought to have taken the lead when Billy Smart’s shot struck the substitute.

They looked more likely to break through though and Jed Davies’ clumsy foul on Foley gifted to the away team an opportunity to take the lead.

Rob Hopley’s attempt from an acute angle also struck a post.

Macauley said: “We had the best opportunities to score.

“I felt as the game went on we needed to gamble even if putting Will on risked leaving us outnumbered in midfield.

“We kept our discipline though, and it’s a nice feeling to pick up another three points to keep our unbeaten run going.

Witton rise to 14th in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight as a reward for their fifth away win of the campaign.

Warrington Town, who came from behind to beat Buxton thanks to Dominic Reid’s last-gasp goal, are their guests at Wincham Park on Boxing Day.