ALTRINCHAM's 16-match unbeaten run came to an end after they twice allowed a lead to slip to go down 4-3 at home to mid-table Witton Albion on New Year's Day.

The sodden pitch was doused with torrential rain for much of the 90 minutes and a strong wind further hampered Alty's passing game in the Evo-Stik Premier clash.

But they took a sixth-minute lead when visiting keeper Calvin Hare was unable to hold a James Poole shot and Jordan Hulme was on hand to net the loose ball.

But the lead barely lasted three minutes before Albion levelled when Tom Owens made space on the edge of the box and scored a fine goal with a rising shot which went in off the post.

Witton then took a deserved lead as James Foley slotted home from close range after they had struck the bar in the 24th minute.

After their disappointing first-half showing, Alty improved in the second period with John Johnston looking more dangerous on the less sodden side of the pitch.

They levelled after 54 minutes when Poole poked the ball home after good work in the box from Hulme.

Next, debutant full-back Andy White's low 25-yarder gave Altrincham a 3-2 lead after 67 minutes.

The hosts looked to have the game in their hands at that stage but eight minutes from time a good Witton move on the right allowed Owens to net his second and Albion's third goal.

The outcome was decided when an uncharacteristic miss-header by Ben Harrison fell to Will Jones who volleyed past Tony Thompson to clinch the game for the visitors in the 88th minute.

It was a disappointing end to a festive programme that had seen Alty register three successive 3-0 wins prior to that – at home to Matlock Town before Christmas and then at Marine and Coalville Town to end last year at the top of the table.