WITTON Albion kept themselves in the play-offs mix with a 1-0 home win against derby rivals 1874 Northwich at the U Lock It Stadium.

Jon Macken’s side, desperately needing the points after Saturday’s 5-0 loss at second-placed Workington, sealed the crucial three points with a goal from Elliot Rokka in the 41st minute.

The red-and-white stripes striker found himself one on one with visiting keeper Shea Callister and successfully slide-ruled his shot home.

Witton’s success leaves them sixth in Northern Premier League West, one point outside the all-important top five although fifth-placed Runcorn Linnets have a game in hand following their trip to City of Liverpool today being postponed for a waterlogged pitch.

With Macclesfield promoted as champions and Workington plus Leek Town having secured their play-offs spots, Albion need either Clitheroe or Linnets to slip up in two games to have the chance of a top-five finish.

Witton had to deal with a lot thrown at them by 1874, who created more chances but could not find the net.

Keeper Ollie Martin came to Albion’s rescue to deny Mark Jones and Cal Gardner in the 13th and 17th minutes, then saving from a low Liam Buckley shot in the 34th minute.

Jack Irlam, on his 100th 1874 appearance, beat his marker but was off target early doors, while Bower and Fenton also went wide with headers for 1874 before Rokka’s decisive goal came against the run of play.

Gardner brought Martin into action again six minutes into the new half while a fine double save late on kept Witton’s lead intact.

Meanwhile, in the North West Counties League Premier Division, Northwich Victoria were 1-0 winners at Congleton Town.

Kuda Chingwaro netted the winner in the 64th minute.

Winsford United were defeated 2-1 at home by Litherland REMYCA.

Thomas Stanton levelled matters in the 48th minute after William Dunne had put the visitors ahead midway through the first period.

But Tom Lawless popped up with the decider seven minutes from the end of normal time.

Barnton FC were on the wrong end of a goal fest at Townfield, losing 4-3 to Sandbach United.

Adam Moseley banged in a hat-trick for The Villagers, with his efforts either side of half-time squaring the scores and then putting his side in front.

But Sandbach netted the next three goals through Liam Fitzpatrick (55mins), Harry Cain (84) and Robbie Hatton (88) which left Moseley’s third goal in the 90th minute only a consolation.

Josh Klein-Davies had initially put the visitors in front after five minutes.