THESE are probably Witton’s most prized three points to date.

There was reason to worry, for Fylde had won eight of 10 matches in all competitions – drawing the other two – since losing to Ashton on their debut at this level.

But Witton have a record on the road to be proud of, not losing a league game outside Northwich since November last.

They called on characteristics less commonly ascribed to this group – resilience and defensive discipline – to extend that sequence, moving to within two points of the table’s summit as a reward.

Manager Brian Pritchard had to improvise in the absence of Anthony Gardner, as much an attacking weapon as a defensive one, moving Paul Booth to full back.

It worked a treat for him.

Fylde, with six successive victories behind them, started swiftly.

They might have led too had James Dean not blazed wildly into the sky when Michael Barnes spotted him in a shooting space after reaching the byline.

Meanwhile Witton, with Shaun Tuck as a solitary attacking spearhead, took time to adjust to another change in formation.

Booth blocked bravely when Jack Dorney sent a shot goalwards after Joe Booth’s cross fell conveniently into the midfielder’s path.

Witton went close within a minute, Josh Hancock delaying an attempt at goal from Danny Andrews’ lay off before his eventual effort was deflected by a defender narrowly wide.

The visitors led on the half hour, Andrews diverting Matt Cross’ free kick past Fylde goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe off his shoulder.

Andrews ought to have doubled his, and his team’s, tally soon afterwards when he feinted beautifully away from a back marker to make a clearer path to goal.

To shoot too close to Hinchliffe did not do him justice.

Fylde restored parity on 37 minutes when Michael Barnes, given the freedom of the visitors’ six-yards box, headed in Joe Booth’s corner from under the crossbar.

The Coasters were level fleetingly, for Rory Fallon scorched a missile of a shot into the top corner from distance less than five minutes later.

Fylde, forced to by their arrears, assumed greater control of the contest after the interval.
Witton, partly by design, retreated.

The home team found it tough to punch holes in a blanket of yellow shirts though, Allen stabbing a weak effort straight at custodian Matt Cooper after Michael Barnes had escaped the attention of Mathew Wood.

Substitute Adam Farrell, on for an ineffective Dean, skidded a header wide of the post from Barnes’ next raid.

Fylde, playing in front of Witton’s backline rather than penetrating it, toiled.

They did craft one golden opportunity, but Farrell headed too high with the goal at his mercy after Adam Sumner had delivered a perfect assist from the left.

Witton’s inconsistency – gone was the listless team that succumbed to Ashton on Saturday – will infuriate in part their manager, but he will have learned much from how they won battle.

Witton Star Man Paul Booth. Switched to an unfamiliar role at right back to cover the absence of injured Anthony Gardner, acquitting himself brilliantly against Fylde danger man Richie Allen.

Seeing Allen retreat deep into his team’s territory to receive possession from his defenders at the end of the first half was testament to that.

AFC Fylde (4-3-3) Hinchliffe (GK), Haslam, Hughes (Jarvis 86), Taylor, Sumner, Joe Booth (McCarthy 71), Bradley Barnes, Dorney, Michael Barnes, Dean (Farrell 55), Allen. Subs not used Steel, Winter. Goal Barnes 37.

Witton (4-5-1) Cooper (GK), Booth, Ben Harrison, Glover, Wood, Andrews, Sheehan, Cross, Fallon, Hancock, Tuck (Stott 64). Subs not used Clayton, Gardner, Jamie Harrison, Ormesher. Goals Andrews 29, Fallon 40. Booked Cross (foul).