WITTON Albion gave life to their play-offs hopes when they returned to winning ways on Tuesday night.

They are seven points adrift of the top five, with a game in hand, after a 3-1 home success against Newcastle Town in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

It puts Jon Macken's side back on track after a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Widnes at the weekend and can head into home clashes with 16th-placed Colne on Saturday and 14th-placed Bootle on Tuesday with a bit of confidence on Saturday.

They did it the hard way against Newcastle though, coming from behind which is something of a trend that Albion want to change.

It is now in double figures the amount of times Witton have given away the first goal this season but fought back to win one point or three.

"It's something we've spoken about, giving teams an advantage," said assistant manager Steve Atkinson.

"It doesn't seem to worry myself any more because it's happened so often.

"It's an area we need to improve on. It's not as if it's a lack of concentration or a lack of preparation, but maybe it's a bad habit."

There is confidence they can always recover from such situations.

Atkinson said: "We've got the goal scorers, we know we can attack teams well. It's just making sure we're on the front foot and we manage the game in the key moments."

Goals from Elliot Rokka (20) and Kingsley Williams (23) quickly wiped out Newcastle's 15th-minute lead through Ryan Baxter and James Lawrie (53) wrapped up the scoring.

Meanwhile, 1874 Northwich drew 2-2 at home to Kidsgrove Athletic on Tuesday.

Matty Fenton headed them into a 15th-minute lead during a strong first-half performance but Kidsgrove grew into the encounter and got themselves in front through Callum Leigh (56) and Jimmy Garlick (66).

A stunning strike from Jack Irlam four minutes later ensured a share of the spoils for '74, who stay eighth in the Northern Premier League Premier Division and host fifth-placed Runcorn Linnets on Saturday.

Northwich Victoria are preparing to host Barnoldswick Town in the North West Counties League Premier Division on Saturday after Tuesday's trip to face the same opposition was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Vics, who are fourth on the ladder, were left reeling by some bad injury news this week, with Alex Bennett set to be sidelined for 12 months due to requiring surgery after rupturing his ACL.

Manager Steve Wilkes said: "Devastated to receive this news. Alex had improved so much since the start of the season and will be a big loss for the remainder."

Winsford United head to Longridge on Saturday and then Litherland REMYCA on Wednesday, while Barnton return to action next Wednesday following their Tuesday night 1-1 draw at Abbey Hey.

Dylon Meredith had put them in front but Corey Knight struck in the 90th minute to rescue a point for the hosts.