WITTON Albion achieved something no other side has managed in 2026 when they visited Bootle on Saturday.
Ben Harrison’s team became the first to defeat the Merseysiders this year, coming home with a 2-1 victory.
Goals from Dammy Sotona (11mins) and Harry Brazel (28mins) gave Witton control.
Courtney Duffus pulled a goal back in the 51st minute for the Bucks but it proved not to be enough as they fell to a first defeat in eight matches.
Witton did live dangerously though on occasions, being saved by the post and a goal-line clearance as Bootle sought an equaliser in the second half.
This third win in four matches leaves Witton 14th in the Northern Premier League West table and, importantly, 14 points clear of the relegation zone.
Albion return to action at Wythenshawe Town next Saturday.
Meanwhile, in the Midland League Premier Division, the destiny of the title is back in Northwich Victoria’s own hands.
This is as a result of Saturday’s 2-0 home win against Uttoxeter Town, while nearest rivals Hanley Town drew 2-2 at fourth-placed AFC Wolverhampton City.
Vics, who are now four points clear at the summit having played one game more than Hanley, got the job done in the late stages at the Apec Taxis Stadium in Runcorn.
Kierann Hamm gave them the lead in the 72nd minute and Ryan Atkinson made sure of the success when he netted in the 87th minute.
Aaron Fleming, signed on dual registration from Witton Albion on the morning of the game, caught the eye and was named man of the match on his Trickies debut.
Vics will next be in action when they visit Whitchurch Alport on Tuesday, March 10.
1874 Northwich’s grip on a play-offs place feels a little less firm after they lost 1-0 at home to promotin rivals Brocton on Saturday.
Reg Smith bagged the only goal of the game in the 70th minute.
It wasn’t the way 1874 manager Chris Herbert had been hoping his birthday would play out.
His side have dropped to fifth, so still in the play-offs places, but things are tight as only two points separate the sides from third to seventh.
And Winsford Town are not out of the picture either.
Although they are 10th after Saturday's 3-0 win at Dudley Town, they are only eight points adrift of the top five with four or five games in hand on all sides above them except Brocton, who they host on Tuesday.
At Dudley, Reece Davies gave Blues the lead just before the half-time break, slotting home at the back post.
Niza Chilufya made it 2-0 after a fine assist from Steve Jenyons.
Ollie Pope chased the ball and lofted it over the keeper to conclude the scoring.
Joint manager Dean Jones said on X: “Arguably our best 90 minutes of the season to date.
“The lads were incredible against a very good opponent.”
