The Vics new boy was unstoppable, playing a part in all three of his side's strikes, including a rasping 30-yard shot that crashed in off Jon Worsnop's right hand post as the Albion keeper clutched at fresh air.

Townson's brilliance propelled Vics into the comfort zone for the final half hour, but before that they had toiled to fashion openings, with only Chris Williams' wasteful finishing to show for their effort.

Credit must go to Jim Vince's players for restricting their hosts early on, particularly in midfield, where Alex Brown was outstanding in the first half.

Some Vics fans may wish the youngster was in green, as once again their team accused the absence of injured Michael Carr.

But Northwich nearly opened the scoring inside two minutes, when Keiron Charnock fired a fierce half volley inches wide from Danny Mayman's back post corner.

Albion settled sooner though, with Brown and Steve Connors ubiquitous in the centre of the pitch.

Sean Whalley drifted dangerously off the wing after 11 minutes, but he shot tamely at Ben Connett.

Worsnop was called into action for the first time a minute later, as Paul Brayson and Townson combined to tee up Williams.

His shot was fumbled to safety by the Witton keeper.

Soon afterwards Connors showed his spiky side when he clattered into Townson on the touchline.

Tempers began to fray and Elliott dished out retribution in part when he took Connors out in Witton's next attack.

Vics calmed down first to create their best chance midway through the first period.

Richard Battersby launched a rapid counter attack to find Brayson, who again set up Williams for a first-time shot that was pushed around the post by Worsnop.

Witton hit back with their most threatening moment.

Carl Frost broke Vics' offside trap to run clear at Ben Connett, but his attempted lob was smartly smothered by the onrushing keeper.

Vics ended the contest in six manic minutes shortly after the restart.

On 53 minutes Allan released Townson down the Vics left after Gaghan had cheaply surrendered possession, and the Liverpool-born striker picked out Brayson who applied the expert finish from 10 yards.

Two minutes later Williams put Townson clear and, as the former Macclesfield Town striker rounded Worsnop, he was felled by a combination of the keeper and Albion skipper Brian Pritchard.

Allan coolly converted from the penalty spot.

Witton were then finished off by Townson's moment of magic - his spectacular shot giving Worsnop nothing except for a photo opportunity.

Albion enjoyed their best spell as Vics sat back.

Tony Gallimore tripped Mike Moseley as he scampered towards goal on 69 minutes, escaping with a yellow card when Witton asked for red.

Whalley's resultant free kick was pawed clear by Connett.

Ten minutes later Charnock was adjudged to have hauled back Whalley as he shaped to shoot, and ref Billy Smallwood pointed to the spot for the second time.

However, Brown blotted his copybook by shooting weakly straight at Connett.

There was a moment of madness from Tony Barras after 85 minutes, as he bizarrely slapped the ball away to deny sub Carlos Roca a run through on goal.

Again Smallwood noted a name on his yellow card.

Witton finally earned some reward a minute from time.

Darren Hockenhull started a four-man move that involved both Browns, Alex and sub Alistair, with the former finding Moseley five yards out to steer the ball past Connett.

He nearly added another a minute later when he flashed a shot over.

By then though Witton had already been taken out by Townson.