WITTON Albion conceded twice in the last eight minutes of normal time to start the new year with a home loss to Nantwich Town.

Daniel Mitchley's first goal for the club in the 24th minute gave Albion the perfect start to 2020 but there was to be no celebratory fireworks at the final whistle.

Sean Cooke levelled matters for the Dabbers in the 82nd minute before Joel Stair sealed all three points for the Dabbers on 90 minutes.

With Hyde United winning, they have leapt over Carl Macauley's side who have now slipped to 10th in the BetVictor Northern Premier League.

Witton, who host Buxton on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, went into the Nantwich clash with Nick Ryan in the heart of the defence and Will Booth on the bench.

Ryan has returned to the club from Runcorn Linnets, having originally arrived at Wincham Park in the summer of 2017 from Stalybridge Celtic.

But he had his first season cut short after sustaining an injury at Marine, while he missed the entire 2018-19 campaign in rehabilitation.

He joined up with Linnets last summer but was registered in time for today's derby.

Booth has signed forms after his return to fitness.

The former Colwyn Bay midfielder picked up an injury last March against North Ferriby United but has worked hard to get back to full fitness.