WITTON brushed aside Brigg Town in the FA Trophy thanks to three goals inside the final seven minutes.

Albion now progress to a third qualifying round clash at home to UniBond Premier Division side Matlock Town, but left it late to reflect their dominance in the result.

Top scorer Steve Foster was their key man once more, a brace of goals taking his season’s tally to 13.

But Gary Finley’s men had to bide their time, with the first attempt on target not coming until the half hour mark when Foster’s shot proved no test of former Everton goalkeeper Andrew Pettinger.

Witton’s goal-getter was one-on-one with the Brigg custodian soon afterwards but, after delaying his shot and under pressure from defenders, he fired against the crossbar.

He did not take mercy next time.

On 38 minutes Pettinger failed to find safety with a punched clearance, and Foster had the ball in the back of the net before the keeper could react.

Albion twice went close to extending their lead in stoppage, an interchange between Maylett and Paul Henry teed up Foster who sent his shot wide of the upright.

Then, following a Jamie Tandy free kick, Stuart Rudd’s shot was deflected off target.

Brigg gave themselves a lifeline on 72 minutes when their only effort on target of the afternoon saw Andrew Holt’s free kick neatly headed in at the near post by Lee Roy Cochrane.

Witton reacted in time to avoid another replay.

Foster turned provider for Paul Henry to power home a header seven minutes from time to restore the home team’s lead.

Pettinger twice in quick succession used his feet to deny both Maylett and Foster before saving well from Mike Moseley.

Foster hit the target again in added time to make it 3-1, then Tandy saved the best goal until last with an emphatic volley from inside the box.

Witton Clegg (GK), Booth, Ruffer, Rudd, Tandy, Maylett, Brodie (Neville 19), Henry, Heler, Moseley (McAliskey 90), Foster
Sub not used Pritchard
Attendance 220