Mark Beesley rues missed chances in Whitby draw

Warrington Town manager Mark Beeslety admits Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw with Whitby Town felt like a “kick in the stomach”. 

Having trailed to Lewis Hawkins’ opportunistic effort, the Yellows turned the game around either side of half-time following Malik Dijksteel’s first half sending-off as Matty McDonald struck twice to put the hosts 2-1 up before the hour mark. 

Despite laying siege to the Whitby goal from that point on, Town were denied a third goal, in large part due to a combination of the woodwork, wasteful finishing and an inspired display from visiting goalkeeper Shane Bland.

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The Seasiders stopper pulled off a number of fine saves, and his efforts were rewarded when the 10 men of Whitby levelled six minutes from time through Aaron Braithwaite.

“We played really, really well,” Beesley said post-match. “Outstanding, I thought, in the second half. 

“We moved the ball properly on a difficult pitch which is dry due to the weather, but it doesn’t mean anything if you can’t put the ball in the back of the net. 

“We had 15 shots on target in the second half, and I’m finding it hard with what to say because that was probably the best that we’ve been in front of goal without scoring, but it feels like a kick in the stomach.”

Reflecting on their missed opportunities, he added: “It’s so disappointing because the lads are down in there, because of the way they played and not coming away with the result. 

“They moved the ball properly, created overloads, got around the back and had chance after chance.”

Tuesday’s result stretched the Yellows’ unbeaten run to a club record 15 matches, but Beesley says the manner of their midweek draw means there is little feeling of celebration.

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“There’s good draws and bad draws. Today is obviously a bad draw,” he admitted.

“It’s two points dropped, that’s clear, but we’ve had some good points in this little run so every game is different.

“We had a chance to score a few goals and kill the game off but we didn’t do it.”