WITTON Albion moved to within one win of the FA Cup first round with a deserved, if hard-fought, win against Northern League underdogs Spennymoor Town.

It marks the first time in more than two decades that the Northwich club has won four successive matches in the competition.

They had to come from behind to do it.

Jamie Harwood became the first player to score against Albion in this season’s edition when he ghosted on to Stephen Capper’s cross on 18 minutes.

Moors merited their advantage too after an opening in which their play was more cohesive.

Witton’s leveller seven minutes later was lucky; Oliver James’ drive – straight at goalkeeper Chris Turns – was fumbled over the line by the custodian under no pressure.

Buoyed, Albion woke up.

Fortune favoured them again on the half hour when Anthony Sheehan, teed up by Josh Hancock, saw his shot deflected decisively by a defender to double the home team’s tally.

Prompted by Josh Hancock’s direct dribbling they emerged as an attacking force and, once in front, Witton men were determined to record a ninth successive victory in league and cup.

They survived a scare when Adam Johnston arced a free kick narrowly off target, then net-minder Matt Cooper saved smartly from Anthony Peacock.

But Albion should have been out of sight six minutes after the restart.

Liam Newman danced along the touchline before pulling back to top scorer Alex Titchiner who, with the goal at his mercy, prodded an anaemic shot too close to Turns.

Moors’ number one could only claw the ball into Hancock’s path, but he blazed over when an apparent certainty to score.

Brian Pritchard’s men still looked more likely scorers though and Newman was next to go close when he stabbed skywards Ben Harrison’s hanging cross.

Spennymoor rallied, Gavin Cogdon picking Matthew Woolley’s pocket close to the touchline before forcing Cooper to block at his near post.

Woolley redeemed himself from the resulting corner though when he smuggled clear Steve Foster’s header while on the goalline.

The action became frenzied as both teams tried to wrestle control.

Harwood tripped Mathew Wood in the box only for referee John Brooks to ignore Albion’s vociferous penalty appeals.

From the resulting counter, Paul Booth threw himself into the path of Kevin Graydon’s goalbound effort.

Graydon’s next centre ended with Daniel Moore thudding a header against the crossbar from close range.

He should have scored.

Hancock spotted Newman in a shooting space at the other end, but he flashed a shot wide when well-placed.

Victory was sealed with six minutes left when that man Titchiner swept in from 10 yards, sending Witton through to the fourth qualifying round for the first time since 1996.

Witton (4-4-2) Cooper (GK), Woolley, Ben Harrison, Booth, Wood, Andrews (Jamie Harrison 90), James, Sheehan, Hancock, Titchiner, Newman (Buchan 74)
Subs not used Glover, Clampitt, Ennion, Schofield, Moseley
Goal James 25, Sheehan 31, Titchiner 84
Booked Andrews, Sheehan (both fouls), Wood (handball)

Spennymoor (4-3-3) Turns (GK), Harwood, Foster, Laws, Capper, Moore (Ryan 85), Graydon, Dodds, Peacock (Ruddy 60), Johnston (Lawther 67), Cogdon
Subs not used Dean (GK), Mason, Griffiths, Cronesberry
Goal Harwood 18
Booked Moore, Foster, Laws (all fouls)

Referee John Brooks (Melton Mowbray)
Attendance 512