WITTON’S first victory under new manager Brian Pritchard, while thoroughly deserved, was not without complication.

The hosts raced into a three-goals lead inside the first 40 minutes, raising hopes that a repeat – or better – of last season’s thrashing of the same opposition could follow.

It did not.

Ossett scored twice in controversial fashion either side of the interval and, until substitute Mark Buchan found the net for the first time in red and white three minutes from time, the Yorkshiremen made it a contest.

Witton’s start had been a dream one, including as it did a debut goal for midfielder Carl Clampitt inside six minutes.

Alex Titchiner continued where he left off in a loan spell last term to double the home team’s lead on the half hour, back-again Matthew Wood adding a third soon afterwards.

The full back, coveted by higher-ranked Droylsden, reminded Albion supporters what they would have been missing had he left for pastures new.

Ossett rallied, making the most of good fortune when midfielder Adam Hayton’s shot from distance bounced down off the underside of the bar.

Referee Kevin Sarsfield awarded a goal after consulting a linesman.

Buoyed, Dale Kelly danced into space behind Witton’s defence six minutes after the interval to tee up Doran Jordan for a second from close range.

The visitors continued to threaten until Buchan, making his first appearance after completing a switch from Greenock Morton on Saturday, converted Wood’s cross.

Exactly what the day’s biggest crowd in the section – 318 – needed to settle any jangling nerves.

Witton (4-4-2) Cooper (GK), Gardner (Woolley 13), Ben Harrison, Booth, Matthew Wood, Hancock, James (Ennion 56), Clampitt, Andrews, Newman (Buchan 65), Titchiner
Subs not used Jamie Harrison, Weaver
Goals Clampitt 6, Titchiner 31, Wood 40, Buchan 87

Ossett Albion Phil Wood (GK), Taylor, Patterson (Gay 85), Holt, McManus, Ferguson, Jordon, Hayton, Kelly, Naidole (Noble 77), Cornelly (Tracey 67)
Subs not used Guiry, Smith
Goals Hayton 45, Kelly 51

Referee Kevin Sarsfield (St Helens)
Attendance 318