Preview: Warrington Town vs Matlock Town
With the regular season now complete, attention turns to the Northern Premier League play-offs as the race for the National League North intensifies.
Second-placed Warrington Town host Matlock Town at Cantilever Park on Tuesday night, with both sides hoping to book their place in Monday’s all-important play-off final.
Should the Yellows advance, they will be at home against either Bamber Bridge or Gainsborough Trinity, who also meet on Tuesday.
The Yellows returned to winning ways on Saturday as they beat Hyde United 3-1 to secure second place on the final day. The Gladiators, meanwhile, confirmed their top-five spot after beating Marine 1-0, and other results going their way.
The two sides have already met twice this season. Town won 3-1 at Cantilever Park in October, while it was a goalless draw between the two teams in their most recent encounter back in February.
Team News
Jay Harris will be monitored ahead of Tuesday night’s fixture after being forced off during Saturday’s victory over Hyde.
Recently-named Player of the Year Evan Gumbs was rested as a precautionary measure last time out, but he is expected to feature in the play-off semi-final.
Mitch Duggan is also available for selection after making his return from an ankle injury last weekend.
Mark Beesley preview
Warrington Town head coach Mark Beesley was full of praise for his side, after securing the highest finish in the club’s history.
He says the challenge now is to take that form into the play-offs on Tuesday night.
“For this group of players, to get the club its highest ever finish is an outstanding achievement,” he said.
“I keep saying it, people should be proud of them. We’re second in the league, and we’ve pushed a team who are full-time really close. We were ‘best of the rest’, if you like.
“It’s up to us to take this form and take this attitude into Tuesday.”
Tony Thompson Preview
Warrington Town goalkeeper Tony Thompson believes it was crucial for his side to return to winning ways ahead of the play-offs.
Victory over Hyde United on the final day of the regular season was enough to secure second place in the Northern Premier League table.
That set up a play-off semi-final against Matlock Town, who cemented their own top five spot with a narrow 1-0 victory at Marine on the final day.
Ahead of their play-off clash with the Gladiators, Thompson spoke of the importance of restoring a winning feeling within the group following their battling 2-1 defeat to champions South Shields earlier this month.
“To get back to winning ways is massive for us,” he said.
“We didn’t want to get into a bad rut going into the play-offs. We wanted to get back on the horse, and we were lucky that we had the game against Hyde on Saturday to put things right ahead of the play-offs.
You can read more from Tony Thompson in Tuesday’s matchday programme, which will be available to purchase for just £2 at Cantilever Park.
Match Information
Tuesday’s Northern Premier League fixture at Cantilever Park kicks off at 7.45pm, with tickets only available online. Match tickets are priced as follows:
- Adults: £12
- Concessions: £8
- Under 16s: £3
*There is a £1 booking fee per transaction.
For supporters who cannot attend, live audio coverage will be available via the Yellows Mixlr channel.
Buy tickets for Tuesday’s game against Matlock Town!
