STEVE Foster repeated last weekend’s trick, scoring from the penalty spot to rescue Witton Albion from defeat.

This time their punishment would have been an FA Trophy exit.

But the hosts’ top scorer took his season’s tally to 10 six minutes from time, coolly converting his free hit after Sutton sub Michael Batchelor had handled.

It was not the only moment of drama.

Witton supporters saw a rare sight on the teamsheet with Brian Pritchard’s name listed only under replacements after Gary Finley handed a debut to newcomer Carl Ruffer.

Sat next the Albion legend was Paul Booth, who started the season as first team captain.

However Sutton Coldfield’s backline was the one under pressure.

Mike Moseley, restored to the starting line up after injury, went close in the fifth minute when he sent a shot wide of the left post.

The first period was interrupted when Jamie Tandy and Nathan Moran clashed heads, the former being forced off later on when the bleeding from his wound did not stop.

Brad Maylett drove wide in Witton’s only bright piece of attacking play after Lee Neville had taken a quick throw and Moseley had picked out his teammate.

Sutton, winners only once in their league this season, took the lead shortly the half hour.

Neville, having got his foot to a loose ball after Albion had surrendered possession, allowed Jimmy Quiggin to pounce and he finished with a fine shot across Joe Clegg.

Maylett turned provider for Foster after the break but the former Salford City front man fired over with a volley, then he directed a headed attempt over the bar from Dylan Adams’ cross.

Moseley was denied when a relieved Tony Breedon, in Town’s goal, managed to push the ball out for a corner.

Foster scored from the spot soon afterwards as Finley pushed men forward, then Henry shot over in the last minute as Witton searched for a winner.

But it was a Town substitute, Craig Marshall, who had the clearest chance to seal the tie only to head over from under the crossbar deep into stoppage time.

Witton Clegg (GK), Adams (Heler 79), Ruffer, Rudd, Neville, Maylett, Hall (Brodie 59), Henry, Tandy (Pritchard 71), Foster, Moseley
Subs not used Booth, Hadzik
Attendance 200