GARY Martindale has said Witton Albion’s players were reminded that they have a narrow margin for error when they lost at Lancaster City last weekend.

The Dolly Blues pinched maximum points after scoring in the last minute, condemning their guests to a fifth defeat in their past seven Northern Premier League matches.

It leaves them three points clear of the relegation zone ahead of a visit from Buxton on Saturday.

READ > Lancaster 1-0 Witton: match report

“There was nothing between the teams,” reflected Witton’s assistant manager.

“It’s another game that’s been decided by a small detail, something that happens often in this division.

“We haven’t been outplayed, far from it.

“Instead we’ve competed from the first minute until the last and we’ll continue to do that.”

Intriguingly, all five of Witton’s games in 2019 to date have ended 1-0 – two of them wins.

However it is a concern to Martindale, and manager Carl Macauley, that their side failed to score for a seventh time in 25 Premier Division games this season.

With River Humphreys ruled out by an ankle injury, they deployed captain Rob Hopley as a central defender at Lancaster and used Will Jones as a lone striker.

Martindale said: “Rob is our top-scorer from open play but we needed him to do a job for us in another part of the pitch.

“That’s where we are.

“I know it’s frustrating for supporters because our squad is small but we believe in the lads that we’ve got.

“We can bring in 15 players tomorrow, but it’s not that simple.

“It’s a difficult time of the season to make signings because guys reluctant to leave the clubs they’re at and we’ve always been careful in the transfer market.

“Somebody coming in has to be the right fit for us.”

Witton did announce the arrival of winger Osebi Abadaki from Hednesford Town early on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has had spells earlier this season with Stafford Rangers and Hyde United too.

Martindale said: “He’s a new face in the dressing room and that can give lads a lift.

“It’s vital for us he can play in a number of positions, whether that’s out wide or through the middle, and we’re hopeful that he can chip in with a couple of goals as well.

“That’s what we’re looking for from him.”