WITTON have been here before.

A 2-1 win against Spennymoor in the FA Cup on Saturday is just the latest example.

With Carl Macauley in charge, they have repeatedly found a way to embarrass higher-ranked opponents in a knockout game.

And that makes them dangerous opponents for teams from National League North when a draw for the third qualifying round is made on Monday – more so if Albion have home advantage.

A list of examples showing their ability to humble a bookmakers’ favourite continues to grow…

Witton Albion 2-1 Spennymoor Town

FA Cup Second Qualifying Round

Saturday, September 22 2018

Spennymoor, fifth in National League North, travelled to Wincham Park without a defeat in their previous five matches, winning four.

They had also kept a clean-sheet on three of their five away days this season prior to arriving in Northwich.

However they were eliminated from the FA Cup thanks to second-half goals for Albion from James Foley, who converted a penalty, and Rob Hopley.

It prompted the Moors’ manager, Jason Ainsley, to remark afterwards that the best team had won.

“Witton might have scored three or four times,” he rued.

READ: Witton 2-1 Spennymoor: match report

Witton Albion 4-2 Boston United

FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round

Tuesday, December 6 2016

Remarkably, Witton trailed 2-0 inside six minutes against opponents ranked two levels higher than them.

Not that they cared much.

Carl Macauley’s side rallied emphatically from the moment Bradley Bauress curved in a free-kick off an upright, and scored four times themselves before the break.

The Pilgrims had no answer.

It was a win made more impressive by the fact that three key players – Anthony Gardner, Paul Williams and Steve Tames – were watching from the stands while they nursed injuries.

READ: Witton 4-2 Boston: match report

Witton Albion 2-1 Kettering Town

FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round

Saturday, November 12 2016

Whatever happened to Wes Benjamin?

His last touch of the ball in Witton’s colours, for he returned to former club Clitheroe after this game, reserved for the young defender a spot in Albion folklore.

They had been comfortably better than their guests from the Southern League’s Premier Division, but a replay looked certain as they entered added time tied at 1-1.

Enter Benjamin, who came inside from the left onto his stronger right foot before curling a perfectly-placed shot into the top corner out of outstanding goalkeeper Dean Snedker’s reach.

READ: Witton 2-1 Kettering: match report

Witton Albion 3-0 Buxton

FA Cup First Qualifying Round

Saturday, September 3 2016

Witton had beaten the Bucks in six previous FA Cup meetings, although for none of those were they ranked lower.

They also hosted a version of the Derbyshire side that had started the season in scintillating form, making a journey to Northwich as the Northern Premier League leaders after winning five of their first six games.

Not that it mattered to Albion, who combined a high tempo with good fortune to run out convincing winners.

It was another afternoon for an unlikely hero; goalkeeper Jon Ritchie, a friend of Carl Macauley filling in for absent Danny Roberts, made two crucial saves at delicate moments in the match to keep Witton on a course for victory.

READ: Witton 3-0 Buxton: match report