WITTON Albion have moved into the Northern Premier League West Division play-off places.

Harry Brazel’s goal on the stroke of half time proved the difference as Jon Macken’s men beat Newcastle Town 1-0 at the U Lock It Stadium.

And with City of Liverpool – the team who started the day in the final play-off spot – losing 6-4 at Chasetown, Albion moved up into the top five with three games of their season remaining.

The Purps do have a game in hand on Macken’s side and would go above them should they win it, while Nantwich Town are also just two points shy of them.

Northwich Guardian: Harry Brazel flicks home the winning goal for WittonHarry Brazel flicks home the winning goal for Witton (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Meanwhile, former player Joe Woolley came back to haunt 1874 Northwich as they were thrashed at Bootle.

Woolley scored twice in a 5-1 win for the Merseysiders after 1874 had actually pulled level just shy of the hour mark through Isaac Noble.

However, Woolley’s second goal just six minutes later re-established the lead before Ben Hodkinson, twice, and Craig Carney added gloss to the scoreline.

Meanwhile, Northwich Victoria produced the perfect response to their embarrassing 10-0 loss to Congleton Town on Wednesday by producing a come-from-behind 2-1 win at Romulus.

Dylan Switters hit the winner for Matt Barnes’ men just shy of the hour mark after Anton Smith had pulled them level just before the break.

In the North West Counties League, scheduled home fixtures for Winsford United and Barnton – against Cammell Laird and New Mills respectively – fell victim to waterlogged pitches.