IT has been a superb afternoon for our football teams.

Witton Albion, 1874 Northwich and Northwich Victoria all picked up victories to further their respective causes.

Albion were 3-1 victors at home to Scarborough Athletic to move to within two points of a play-off spot in the BetVictor Northern Premier Division.

Billy Smart - scorer of their last-gasp equaliser in the dramatic draw with FC United last week - smashed in the opening goal to give Witton a half-time lead that was doubled by Will Jones just after the hour mark.

Scarborough pulled a goal back through James Walshaw, but Albion's two-goal cushion was restored just five minutes later when Adam Anson converted a penalty.

1874 Northwich maintained their four-point lead at the top of the North West Counties League Premier Division with a win at Burscough.

The Greens were in control from when Scott McGowan put them ahead early.

Jake Parker doubled the lead five minutes before half-time and that proved sufficient for the visitors.

Northwich Victoria did it the hard way at Skelmersdale United as they came from two goals down to win 4-2.

Saul Henderson's second-half hat-trick turned round Vics' deficit before debutant Aaron Burns rounded off the scoring with a late penalty for Steve Wilkes' side.