WARRINGTON Town boss Paul Carden says his side are full of confidence ahead of Saturday's trip to play-off rivals Hednesford Town, kick off 3pm.

The Yellows arrive at Keys Park to face The Pitmen, who are directly above them in the Evo-Stik Premier Division table and one point better off.

Their hosts also occupy the final play-off place, so Town can re-enter the promotion picture with a victory.

Carden says the game represents a tough test for his side but one they should not fear.

“I watched them play Skelmersdale some time ago and they looked a much better side than their level suggests,” he said.

“Their manager got a move higher up the pyramid but their new man has come in and brought his own freshness to them.

“It is as tough as it gets but we’re going there with confidence.”

The Yellows go into the game on the back of a 3-0 victory at Frickley Athletic, a game Carden says was the “most complete performance” of his tenure so far.

Goals from Scott Harries, Samuel Ilesanmi and Danny Hattersley ensured a comfortable win for the Yellows and lifted them to sixth in the Evo-Stik Premier Division table, one point and one place outside the play-off places.

It is also the first time Town have won back-to-back games under Carden and he says he was pleased with the manner of the victory.

“It was certainly the most complete performance we’ve had since I’ve been here. The lads took all their instructions on board and everyone played their part,” he said.

“It was all about getting the points but I was really pleased with the way we controlled and managed the game.

“Even when they tried to influence the ref, we didn’t get dragged into things like that. We kept our composure.

“I’d questioned our game management in recent weeks but the work we are doing on the training ground is starting to show on the pitch now.

“It’s nice when you hear opposition fans complimenting you on the football you play and hopefully the players will take confidence from that.”

A slight note of caution came in the shape of skipper Ciaran Kilheeney, who missed the game because of a calf injury.

Carden said he did not want to risk his top scorer picking up a long-term injury with crucial games coming up.

“Ciaran pulled out of training on Thursday after about 10 minutes with a bit of a calf strain,” he said.

“We ran the risk of losing him for the whole Christmas period if he had played. He was obviously keen to play but we have to manage our resources.

“This game wasn’t going to ultimately decide where we end up this season and Ciaran is a key man for us.”

On the other hand, midfield duo Danny Ventre and Gerard Kinsella both made returns from injury on Saturday.

Ventre started the game, while Kinsella came off the bench in the second half and Carden says both feature heavily in his plans.

“Danny slotted back into that midfield as if he had never been away,” he said.

“I told him to manage himself and not to chase the ball around because that’s not what we need from him.

“We just wanted him to do what he does best and keep things ticking over in that midfield.

“Having Ged back is another big boost with the amount of games we have coming up. Both guys are key players for me.

“The games come thick and fast at this time of year and it’s important that we have our full squad available to us.”