IF this match was supposed to be about Witton Albion gaining a win they needed to make sure they avoid relegation then, clearly, Andy Robertson had not read the script.

His glaring error, after the hosts had established control and a merited early lead, was the catalyst for an astonishing 11-minute spell before the break when he conceded four goals.

If episodes really do define a season, then his decision to attempt to dribble past Blyth striker Dan Maguire – after Sam Barnes had nudged a harmless-looking back-pass his way – may be it.

Maguire picked his pocket, and rolled in an equaliser.

Less than a quarter of an hour later, after Witton skipper John Shaw sent the ball directly past Robertson, it was 4-1 to Spartans.

Albion, demoted from the Northern Premier League’s top flight in 2009, are in grave danger of a repeat.

This reverse, a third in four matches that have yielded a single goal while they have conceded 11, leaves them two points above the drop zone.

A victory at Ashton United on Tuesday would make them safe, but their supporters could be forgiven at full time for thinking that is a remote prospect following a disastrous 10th home defeat of the campaign.

The departure of Robertson, who had an altercation with an angry Albion supporter during the interval while his teammates stood together in the middle of the pitch, was announced by the club less than an hour after the final whistle.

It is easy to forget that Tony Sullivan’s men had executed perfectly, during the first half an hour, a game-plan that had earned a deserved draw with champions-elect FC United last week.

This time they manoeuvred into an even better position against a below-par Blyth repeatedly forced into careless mistakes.

Luke Clark prodded Witton into the lead, reacting quickly to force in a loose ball after goalkeeper Nicholas Thomson had parried Josh Hancock’s near-post attempt.

A second goal ought to have followed when Alex Titchiner, who earlier blazed high when well-placed, delayed shooting too long and Thomson smothered his effort.

Calamity followed.

Four minutes after his leveller, Maguire fired in a second goal after Robbie Dale stole the ball off Liam Goulding – perhaps paranoid about knocking the ball his goalkeeper’s way – inside the penalty area.

In Robertson’s defence, a group of goalkeepers together would not have stopped Dan Hawkins stunning 25-yard volley on 42 minutes.

Shaw’s aberration arrived next, turning the mood toxic inside Wincham Park – among Albion supporters anyway.

The second half, a near non-event, was illuminated by Spartans substitute Craig Lynch steering in a fine fifth goal for the visitors following a stylish one-two with a rampant Maguire.

For Witton, Titchiner swerved an attempt wide of the far upright and substitute Joe Shaw fired over after cleverly making space for a shot.

In truth, their attention by then had already turned to the two games ahead that will now determine whether Witton have a future at this level.

Witton (4-5-1) Robertson (GK), Goulding, Barnes, John Shaw, Dawson, Andrews, Simpson (Jake Parker 50), Corbett, Clark (Joe Shaw 50), Hancock, Titchiner Subs not used Chrisokou, Schofield, Porter (GK) Goal Clark 23

Blyth (4-5-1) Thomson (GK), Hawkins, Bramley, Danny Parker, Nicholson, Richardson (Wearmouth 72), Wade (Lynch 66), Turnbull, Hooks, Dale (Davis 81), Maguire Subs not used Cummings, Rivers Goals Maguire 34, 38 Hawkins 42 John Shaw 45 (own goal), Lynch 69

Referee Simon Mather

Attendance 364