Jon Macken comments on Witton Albion 1-0 win at Avro

The victory marked successive scalps from the top five of Northern Premier League West, a fifth win in seven outings, which has seen Albion climb to ninth and within sight of the play-off places.

“A couple of weeks ago it was challenging times and asking questions of ourselves but that’s how quickly things can turn around in football,” said the Witton boss.

“You have to have a little bit of belief and people stood by us and allowed that.

“And credit to the players in the team and squad for really knuckling down. They’ve stuck together, we’ve had to adjust one or two, and one or two’s gone, but I think they’re really settling down now into a bit of momentum and that momentum is everything.

“This was a big win, two teams at the top, and we’ve beaten them both so you can’t ask for more than that over the past two games.”

Harry Brazell’s 13th-minute strike settled matters in the end but a lot of credit needs to go to Albion’s rearguard display.

Harry Brazell celebrates his winning goal for Witton Albion at Avro (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

“It was a good game of football at times,” said Macken.

I thought we defended really well.

“First half, we were just a little slow on the attack at times. We had some really good opportunities and I don’t believe we broke quickly enough.

“We always knew Avro were going to be tough, that they would put the ball in the box and are very good defensively, and so it was going to be a challenging game.

“The plan before the game was to get ourselves in the lead and build from there, and we managed to do that. I think it was a good move for the goal but it was a fantastic finish by Harry.

“Our knowledge of Avro said they are very good in terms of the breakdown, and when they break it down they put the ball in the box and they really put you under pressure – from set plays as well.

"And they did that. Ollie Martin (Witton goalkeeper) was fantastic, he made some great saves and he’ll be the first to admit that’s what he’s there for.

Ollie Martin, Witton Albion's goalkeeper at Avro (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

“Sometimes it can’t always be on the offensive like we like to play.

“I think we did get a few half chances in the second half in terms of playing the ball in behind or a touch got loose or something, but we knew they were going to come at us in the second half.

“We knew it would have to be a solid defensive performance and we were hoping we could do that and then win the second or third phase allowing us to break and get the all-important second goal.

“Once again it’s a clean sheet, two in two games, so I’m delighted with that.

“I’m delighted with the performance of the lads, they’ve given everything.

“Walking off you could see how tired they were. But we’ve got to pick ourselves up and go again on Tuesday.”

Witton host Bootle at the U Lock It Stadium tomorrow, kick-off 7.45pm.