JON Macken tore into the performance of his Witton Albion players as they exited the FA Cup today, calling it “rubbish” and “disgraceful.”

Two first-half goals from Callum Scorah proved sufficient for City of Liverpool, who knocked 1874 Northwich out in the last round, to end Albion’s participation in the competition at the second qualifying round stage.

Tom Pope reduced the deficit in the second half, but Witton could not find a way back.

It is now back-to-back defeats for Albion and Macken was in no mood to sugar-coat how he was feeling post-match.

“We were absolutely rubbish from start to finish. We didn’t deserve to win,” he said.

“They controlled the first half – they were playing it quick and winning the second and third balls. To a man, we were rubbish.

“They’re not taking responsibility and now, it’s up to me to take responsibility.

“I’ve got to look out for this football club – I’ve got to make decisions and I suppose there’s going to be people upset, but I’ve got to do what I feel is best for the football club because we can’t accept performances like that.

“It’s another cup game and another opportunity for the club to make money and go further in the rounds, and the performance those lads put on today was disgraceful.”

When asked what he felt the problem within his squad was, Macken responded: “We know exactly what it is – it’s attitude.

“If you don’t win your individual battles with your opponent, run more than your opponent, you’re going to get beat and we got beat in every area.

“It’s happened numerous times and it’s unacceptable.

“I know these lads personally and I don’t want to be saying they’re doing it on purpose because I don’t believe they are, but their attitude is nowhere near.

“You give them instructions and they don’t listen or co-operate with it. I hope they do listen to it and take note of it.”

Northwich Victoria had a much better time of things in cup action as they progressed through the second preliminary round of the FA Vase.

Vics were 2-0 victors at Goole AFC on Saturday afternoon having scored in the early stages of both halves – Dylan Switters opened the scoring early before Marcus Perry rounded off the scoring just after half time.

“Cup games are about winning – we didn’t play fantastically well but it’s about winning,” manager Steve Pickup said.

“From where we were three months ago, if you’d have offered me a win at Goole in the second round of the Vase, I would have bitten your hand off.

“Every credit to the boys as they were fantastic.”

Barnton failed in their bid to join their neighbours in the next round, however, as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Stockport Georgians, for whom Harry Lynn and Paul Connor were on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, Winsford United went goal-crazy again as they made it back-to-back wins in the North West Counties League First Division South.

Having got off the mark with a 5-1 win at New Mills last week, Lee Duckworth’s side were ruthless on the road again as they thrashed Stafford Town 7-2.

Steve Jenyons, Tom Stanton and a Reece Davies double had Blues 4-0 up at the break, with Stanton adding his second to make it 5-0 before the hosts got on the board through Jayden Hunter’s goal.

Jeanny Leblanc-Akpo then hit a late double to take Winsford to seven goals, before Matthew Hearsey converted an injury-time penalty for the hosts.