MANAGER Stuart Mellish heaped praise on his record-breaking team after they edged a step closer to claiming the Northern Premier League First Division North title.

A 3-0 win at Prescot on Saturday left Warrington 16 points clear of closest rivals Spennymoor, a gap the second-placed side narrowed by beating the same Merseyside club on Tuesday.

“We’re nearly there,” said Mellish.

“I don’t want to single anyone out because it’s been a real team effort; everyone in the dressing room has been superb.

“When I took over, we tried a few new things in training and a few different formations but all the lads have bought into it.

“We’ve worked from the first day of pre-season towards our aim of becoming champions.”

His side face a an Easter double-header this weekend, travelling to Lancaster City on Saturday before welcoming Witton Albion to Cantilever Park on Monday.

The Yellows’ boss confirmed that everyone is fit and ready to go ahead of what he feels will be difficult fixtures.

“We’ve got two massive games coming up and they are both against teams we haven’t beaten this season,” he said.

“We were held to a draw by Lancaster at home in September and drew at Witton on Boxing Day as well, so we know they are both good sides.

“Everyone is available for Saturday, and we’ll be utilising the squad we have as it’s a big ask to play two games in three days.

“Neither game will be straightforward, but everyone is absolutely up for it.”

Lancaster start the weekend seventh in the table, seven points adrift of the top five.

They are in form too after winning their past three matches, scoring 13 goals.

Albion, only denied victory against Yellows at Christmas by a disputed penalty, appear to have turned a corner after winning back-to-back games this week.

Before that, they had failed to win the previous five, ending their hopes of sneaking into a play-offs position.

As well as reaching a club record goals tally during Saturday’s success, Town’s total of 28 wins is also a new high with seven games left.

While proud of what his side has achieved, Mellish warned records are something to look back on over time.

“To be honest, we are fully focussed on winning the league so we haven’t thought too much about the records,” he said.

“Obviously, it’s a fantastic achievement and we will enjoy looking back on them, but the main focus now is finishing off our hard work.”

With the home game against Witton falling on a Bank Holiday, Mellish said he hopes the football fans in Warrington will again turn out in numbers to support the team.

Only two rivals, Spennymoor and Glossop, have a higher average attendance in Division One North this term.

“The support we’ve had this season has been sensational, both home and away, and we appreciate it,” he said.

“Monday represents an opportunity for people to get down to the ground and see us because I think it’s going to be a special few weeks for football in the town."

Kick off for both matches is 3pm.