WARRINGTON Town require a near miracle if they are to make the play-offs after 2-0 defeat at fifth-placed Spennymoor on Saturday.

With seven games remaining for Warrington, it would require a major collapse by Spennymoor, who are nine points clear with two games in hand, for Town to overtake them.

Other results also went against the Yellows with all their play-off chasing rivals winning, meaning their hopes of promotion - and keeping the club's 2020 Vision alive - appear to be fading fast.

With young full-back Liam Turner in the starting eleven replacing Australia bound Lewis Field, Warrington were unfortunate not to score early on when a Jay McCarten header from David Mannix corner was cleared off the line.

Within a minute the hosts were in front thanks to a solo goal from Stephenson who weaved through the defence before lifting the ball over Wills in the 9th minute.

Warrington looked for an equaliser with Burke hitting the side netting after being put through by Turner and then a Metcalfe effort was tipped wide by the keeper.

Beattie then hobbled off with an injury to be replaced by Booth witht he half finishing 1-0 in favour of the hosts.

After the break Warrington pushed for an equaliser and on 50 minutes a Corrigan free-kick evaded the defence but Tames, who was free at the back post, was flagged for off-side.

Then on 55 minutes a Kinsella header was well saved by the keeper at full stretch.

On 58 minutes a Wharton through ball saw Tames finish well but he was again flagged for off-side. Two minutes later Booth struck a shot which was defelcted over the bar.

On 68 minutes Metcalfe was booked for the 10th time this season, meaning he will require to serve another ban.

Then on 72 minutes Metclafe instinctively shot but his effort dropped just over the bar.

Spennymoor wrapped up the points in the 82nd minute when Warrington, who were pushing for a way back into the game, lost the ball in midfield and Stephenson fired the ball past Wills.

In the 90th minute Metcalfe curled a free-kick just wide of the post but it was clearly not going to be Warrington's day.

Next up is the Doodson League Cup-semi-final against Premier League high fliers Ilkstone at The Winner Recruitment Stadium on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm, followed by the visit of Darlington in the league next Saturday.

Team: Wills, Turner, Corrigan, Mannix, McCarten, Hardwick, Beattie, Burke, Tames, Kinsella, Metcalfe.

Subs: Booth, Bannister, Hickey, Gaghan, Wharton.