SOMETIMES you just need to win - no matter how.
Witton Albion were getting to that point, especially with a trip to league leaders South Shields next on the horizon.
So there was huge relief around Wincham Park when Witton Albion were able to celebrate a 2-1 home success against Atherton Collieries.
Without a victory to cheer since December 7, when Grantham Town were put to bed 3-1, the drought was almost beginning to feel infectious.
But now Carl Macauley and his men will be looking to this victory as a turning point.
Seeing a climb on Saturday of three places up the BetVictor Northern Premier League table is a move in the right direction to further assist in building confidence and turning momentum for the weeks ahead.
It wasn't easy, it wasn't pretty, and at times Albion lived dangerously.
They paid the price for losing possession on a breakaway when Louis Myers put the visitors ahead after 17 minutes.
Albion, who had started brightly enough without creating too much, looked a little shell-shocked after going behind.
A slice of fortune assisted in their recovery.
Daniel Mitchley was quick to jump on a casual pass in the Atherton defence and after scurrying around keeper Paddy Wharton executed brilliantly from a tight angle in the 39th minute.
Sequence of Daniel Mitchley's goal and celebrations. Pictures: Karl Brooks Photography
If the leveller came at the right time, providing a boost before the interval, then what proved to be the winner must have been as sickening to the visitors as it was joyous to the hosts.
With less than a minute of the second half played, Will Jones headed home a Danny McKenna cross.
Sequence of Will Jones' goal and celebrations. Pictures: Karl Brooks Photography
The closest Colls got to restoring parity was in the 57th minute when striker Tom Bentham hit a post.
There was lots of nail-biting in the stands, but Albion hung on.
The question now is can they back up this winning performance when they next take to the field at league leaders South Shields on Saturday?
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