WITTON Albion were almost there.

They were leading 1-0 six minutes into added time when Bamber Bridge equalised with the final act at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

And the scorer was a familiar name.

As a cross came over, former Northwich Victoria defender Kieran Charnock was in place to head home.

Until then, an own goal - initially awarded to Billy Smart after a deflection in the box from a low drive - in the 27th minute had been the difference.

Four minutes later Witton lost the services of Smart through injury, with Tom Owens replacing him in a side featuring debutants Connor Heath and Luke Wall.

Chris Renshaw was in great form again as Witton kept turning Brig away.

His super save of a 25-yard Matt Dudley free kick that was heading to the top corner of the net ensured Albion turned around ahead.

Twice in the space of a minute midway through the second half he clawed away a header from Chris Marlow and blocked an effort from Alistair Waddecar.

Brig kept coming and the crossbar rescued Albion from a Gary Pett header.

A counter attack provided new signing Wall with an opportunity to seal the contest but his shot was saved low by Danny Roccia in the last noteworthy goal attempt before the hosts snatched a point.

Witton stay 13th in the BetVictor Prmier League and on Tuesday will visit Stafford, who bowed out of the FA Cup at the third qualifying round stage today 2-1 at Stourbridge.