Nantwich Town suffered the Boxing Day blues as they went down to a 3-0 defeat at local rivals Witton Albion.
Despite having a fair share of chances, there was no Christmas cheer for the Dabbers.
A goal from Danny Andrews and one either side of half time for Jamie Rainford gave the Albion all three points.
It was a competitive opening with Jamie Henders through for Witton but his shot was off target.
The Dabbers had a few ventures into the Witton area and the best early chance came when Aaron Burns broke down the wing before playing in Max Harrop, whose shot was deflected just wide.
But Danny Andrews opened the scoring on 12 minutes, dancing his way into the area and beating Terry Smith (pictured) at his near post.
Nantwich could have been level when a ball from Iain Howard landed to Steve Jones but the winger couldn’t control and it ran through to Robertson’s hands.
With the rain lashing down, Harrop played in Burns after 28 minutes and his first time shot was just inches wide.
Skipper Mark Jones nearly scored his second of the season, but his shot from inside the D was dragged wide of the goal.
Liam Gibson almost had a second for Witton when he ran into the area but his shot was straight at Smith.
Smith also denied Rainford after he broke through. The keeper rushed out to narrow the angle and save from point-blank range.
But soon after it was 2-0 in the final minute of the half, when a weak kick from Smith found Rainford who beat the keeper easily.
With Danny Johnson’s half time words stinging their ears, the Dabbers started the second half strongly.
They almost pulled one back at the start of the second half when a corner from Howard fell to Harrop, who volleyed just over.
Moments later, Harrop sent Andy White through but his shot hit the side netting.
Mat Bailey was booked when he pulled down Henders 35 yards out, the free kick flashed just over Smith’s bar.
Howard almost caught Robertson out with a free kick as the wind assisted the set play but it drifted out.
On 56 minutes Witton sealed the game when Rainford broke through one-on-one with Smith and lobbed the keeper.
Howard should have scored on 59 minutes when a cross from Steve Jones fell to the former Witton midfielder but his header hit the bar.
Steve Jones then had a chance from a Howard corner as Nantwich looked for a way back in.
The hosts then rattled the bar from Clark’s effort from distance.
Witton almost had a fourth from inside their own half as Henders spotted Smith off his line, but it just cleared the bar.
Rainford also hit the woodwork as he looked to complete his hat-trick.
Defeat sees Nantwich slip to 20th in Evo-Stik Premier Division, with the second worst goal difference in the league.
Nantwich complete 2014 on Sunday as they head to Frickley for a 3pm kick off.
Nantwich Town: Smith, Dowling, White, Pearson, A.Jones, Bailey, Harrop, M.Jones (C), Burns, S.Jones and Howard. Subs: Koyslo (on for Harrop, 64 minutes), Winslade (on for Bailey, 71 minutes), Clayton, Blake and Hart.
(All pictures courtesy of Simon J Newbury Photography)
Recent Comments