THERE is a saying within sport that while a team may not be professional, there is no reason why they cannot act it.

I was invited to join Warrington Town on their FA Trophy trip to Ebbsfleet United over the weekend – and I saw that philosophy in action.

Everything about the trip, from the coach we were travelling on to the hotel we stayed in and the way the players conducted themselves, spoke of an attitude beyond the level Yellows currently operate that.

It was a group that was prepared to enjoy the rare chance of an overnight trip, but one that was determined to get the job done.

From speaking to many of the players, both in interviews and socially, I had already been told of an increase in professionalism at the club since manager Paul Carden took charge in October 2016.

With that in mind, being offered the chance to travel with the team and observe their preparations for such a big game was a chance to see that in action. A chance too good to miss.

Upon arriving for the coach trip south on Friday morning, the players were told to arrive ready to train (which they did) for League One side Charlton Athletic had invited them to use their training facilities that afternoon.

Addicks boss Karl Robinson, himself a former Yellows player whose younger brother Craig scored Yellows’ winner in their momentous FA Cup victory over League Two side Exeter in 2014, was only too happy to help.

The side only usually trains twice per week, so having the extra time with the players was a Godsend for the coaching staff.

Through that, and their time at the hotel through Friday night and Saturday morning, they were a credit to themselves, their club and their manager.

That extended to the game, where they were much the better side.

Even as a supposed neutral, I could not resist a yelp of delight when Gerard Kinsella gave them what looked like their winning goal.

When Sean Shields spared Ebbsfleet from embarrassment with an injury-time equaliser, one could have been forgiven for assuming the game had taken too much out of Yellows, and that Tuesday’s replay would be a walkover for the Kent side.

That was proved wrong as well at a freezing Cantilever Park. Yellows weathered the early storm and Ebbsfleet simply had no answer.

Job done – and deservedly so.