Matty Regan: Yellows ready to ‘finish job off’ in play-off push

Warrington Town must focus on themselves if they want to seal a place in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs, says defender Matty Regan. 

They sit fourth in the division with three games remaining and have the chance to all-but-secure a top-five place over the Easter weekend, with two games in the space of 72 hours.

First up is a trip to Atherton Collieries on Saturday, before Cantilever Park plays host to an important Cheshire derby – also the Yellows’ final home game of the regular season – on Monday, against a Witton Albion side who have mounted a recent mini-resurgence as they continue to fight to avoid relegation. 

Regan says the squad are well aware of the task at hand and has backed them to see the job through and keep their promotion hopes alive.

READ MORE: Boss Mark Beesley previews Easter double-header

“The squad’s been feeling positive since our last game [against Stafford],” he said. “It was a solid performance against a difficult team who played very direct. 

“Now it’s in our hands to make the play-offs with three games left, so we just need to make sure we finish the job off.

“Having back-to-back games this weekend gives us a great chance to cement our place in the top five. This is a position most teams in the league would love to be in going into the Easter weekend, so we’ve just got to enjoy it and give it everything we’ve got to finish the season strongly.”

Regan, who initially joined the club during the curtailed 2019-20 season before agreeing to continue his time at the club last summer, has shown his versatility in recent months. 

Primarily a centre-back, he has also been used at left-back, having been given a chance in the role following a long-term injury to Eddie Clarke. 

The 28-year-old insists he is happy to play in either position when called upon, and has thanked boss Mark Beesley for the faith put in him. 

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“At this time of the year you just want to play in every game,” he admitted. “There’s always something on the line, so I’ve been more than happy to be playing left-back and centre-back.

“We’ve got a really strong squad this year, and having that versatility definitely helps in certain situations. Of course it gives you confidence if you are playing, no matter what position.”

On the balance within the squad ahead of the Easter double-header, he added: “We’ve got a great blend of experience and youth, which will only help us towards the end of the season when you are playing in bigger games. 

“The more experienced lads can pull on past experiences to help the squad, but the younger lads can go out with no fear and really relish this time of the season. 

“Everyone brings their own qualities, and if we can all bring them to the table I know we have more than enough to make a run at getting out of this league.”

Get your tickets Monday’s Cheshire derby at Cantilever Park!

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