WITTON Albion look right at home in their new surroundings.

Playing at a new ground in a new league, Witton showed they have no reason to fear any side after stepping up to a higher level.

And after beating a side that narrowly missed out on promotion last season, Witton have every reason to be encouraged about what lies ahead. Albion kicked off their first competitive game at Witton Park with an early goal that went some way to settling any first day nerves.

And it was Pete Walsh and Ben Stanford -- two players who tormented Clitheroe throughout the day -- who combined to open the scoring.

Walsh swung in a cross from the left and Stanford fired home from close range but only after Paul Kenyon had brilliantly saved his initial effort.

Adam Brindle had to produce an equally good save at the other end when Steve Wild, Clitheroe's captain and best player on the day, tried to catch out the keeper with a well struck free kick.

But Brindle was equal to it, making up ground across his goal to palm away Wild's effort, and moments later Witton were 2-0 up.

Gary Atherton cleverly turned his marker and picked out Stanford on the edge of the area and the big striker struck an unstoppable volley that flew in to the top corner.

But Witton's defence were caught napping when Clitheroe hit back immediately.

Wild did well to break up another attack and launched a ball forwards that Stuart Farquhar raced clear to rifle the ball home.

Guy Waddington was then just inches away from connecting with Barry Watson's long throw as Clitheroe searched for an equaliser.

However, the leveller never arrived and instead Witton went further ahead.

Sam Griffin, an original member of the Witton team now in his second spell at the club, drilled in a low near post free kick that Walsh was quickest to react to flick the ball home.

Stanford nearly grabbed his third, firing over the bar following Julian Potter's superb deep cross before Walsh made it 4-1 with a fine individual effort.

Brindle picked him out on the half way line with a quick throw and Walsh danced around two defenders before cutting in off the left flank and virtually running the ball in to the net!

Atherton cracked a curling effort against the bar and then twice set up Stanford who was denied a first half hat-trick by two good saves by Kenyon.

Witton couldn't maintain the pressure after the break and Brindle was called in to action early on to save from Farquhar.

But Witton were soon leading 5-1 when Griffin chalked up his second assist of the day, his long throw picking out Clive Riley who capped off a fine performance with a headed goal.

And Craig Shorrock made it 6-1 from the penalty spot.

The goal was all down to the superb reverse pass by Steve Taylor who picked out substitute Bernard Cullen who was brought down by the keeper.

More impressive performances like this and Witton Albion will feel right at home in the East Lancs League.