Witton Albion push Crewe Alexandra all the way in friendly

THE game got off to a very pedestrian start, with neither team managing to stamp their authority on the game in the early stages.

Witton had a big chance in the 12th minute as Joe Edwards' shot was parried away by Crewe 'keeper Ian Lawlor before being cleared.

Crewe then managed to keep most of the ball, with number seven Jack Lankester running the show.

In the 22nd minute, a searching ball was met by Luke Offord for what looked like a certain goal.

However, Witton goalkeeper Cameron Terry had other ideas, with a wonderful save to keep the score level.

Crewe continued to pile on the pressure, however Albion's defence remained resolute.

Whatever the managers said to both cohorts must have done the job as from the moment the whistle was blown to kick off the second half, both teams began playing with a renewed sense of vigour.

Crewe were dominant in the second half, particularly from the 60th minute onwards, but a flurry of poor attempts from Crewe's frontmen meant Witton were still in the game.

That was until Crewe's new signing Jordan Gibson managed to get in behind the Albion defence, playing a ball across the box for Fin Roberts to tap in.

This didn't faze Witton as they hit back shortly after.

An almighty goalmouth scramble found its way into Tom Booth's net.

Crewe continued to pile on the pressure and Roberts managed to nick the ball from Albion's keeper Finnan East and slot it into the back of the net for 2-1.

The game looked over and it became clear that the heat was playing its part.

This led to some scrappy play, resulting in a penalty for Crewe in the 87th minute.

Josh March’s tame penalty kick was saved and held well by East.

Witton continued to attack, posing a threat to the exhausted Crewe defence.

Then in the 91st minute, Witton won a free kick outside the area, which was calmly slotted past a helpless Tom Booth.

Crewe continued probing and Roberts put a deft ball in that was headed home at the death by Crewe starlet Luca Moore.

Witton can reflect on giving a very strong Crewe Alexandra side a tough test.

Meanwhile, 1874 Northwich continued their preparations for life in the Northern Premier League under Rory Fallon with two friendlies on Saturday.

A '74 side that included 17 triallists lost 2-1 at Squires Gates, while Fallon's boys ran riot at Maine Road a few hours later, winning 8-1 with two of the goals coming from new signing Harry Lynn.

The hosts actually went ahead but John McGrath’s low drive levelled matters to leave it 1-1 at the break.

Tom Mitchell rose highest and thumped a header into the back of the net or 2-1, with the advantage stretched courtesy of an own goal.

Frontman Lynn was played in behind by Jack Woolley and he rounded the keeper before Woolley guided a header into the corner.

Lynn produced a sensational finish for the sixth with his shot going in off the crossbar from 20 yards.

A low drive found the bottom corner from a trialist before Woolley capitalised on an error to grab his second and the team's eighth goal.

Elsewhere, Northwich Victoria visited 2025/26 Midland League Premier Division champions Hanley Town where they were beaten 2-1.

And Winsford United had seven triallists in their starting side in a 1-0 loss at North West Counties League newcomers Crewe FC.