WARRINGTON Town are “there to be shot at” in the upper echelons of the Evo-Stik Premier Division table – but that is just how manager Paul Carden likes it.

Ahead of a gruelling Easter schedule which sees them play twice in three days, Yellows sit second, six points behind leaders Altrincham but seven ahead of third-placed Grantham Town.

They travel to Whitby Town on Saturday before a ‘derby’ clash with neighbours Witton Albion at Cantilever Park on Easter Monday.

Carden says the coming weekend will be “challenging” but is sure his players will be ready.

He also says teams celebrating draws with his side shows they are a feared side in the division.

“Workington were cheering in their dressing room on Tuesday after taking a point off us. That shows you what it means to teams when they play us now,” he said.

“Stafford were the same when we drew at their place.

“We’re up near the top of the league and it tells you we’re there to be shot at.

“Teams want to beat us but that’s the way it should be.

“Easter is a massive test, but everyone is doing it.

“We just have to make sure that we’re as well prepared as we can possibly be.

“It is challenging and it is tough, but that’s Easter football for you.”

“It is what it is, you’ve just got to be ready.”

Town go into Easter on the back of a disappointing week as they took just one point from six available.

They were beaten 2-0 at Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday before squandering a half-time lead to draw 1-1 with Workington on Tuesday night.

However, one player to catch the eye in both games was winger Mekhi Leacock-McLeod, who signed on loan from Accrington Stanley last Thursday.

After an impressive debut as a substitute at Stalybridge, Carden handed Leacock-McLeod a start against Workington and he rewarded him with the opening goal.

The Yellows boss says the 21-year-old will be even more of a handful once he gets used to his new teammates.

“Mekhi is what he is. Sometimes he’s brilliant but sometimes he can be a little frustrating,” he said.

“He keeps going and was a constant menace when we got the ball to him.

“Once he understands what we’re asking of him in those wide positions, he’s going to be more of a handful for longer spells.

“At the minute, he’s a bit in and out but we want someone of his pace and ability on the ball more.”

Three-cap Scotland international Jay McEveley was another player to arrive at Cantilever Park on loan before last week’s player registration deadline as he joined from Tranmere Rovers.

He missed both games last week through illness, but Carden confirmed he will make his debut this weekend.

However, Town may be without midfielder Sean Williams after he was substituted against Workington with a hamstring injury.

“It’s a hamstring issue for Willo and we’re not too sure about it.

“We hope it’s not a bad one and more cramp than a pull. We’ll just have to wait and see how he is.

“Jay McEveley will be involved over Easter.

“He trained by himself on Tuesday. He hadn’t done a lot at Tranmere and he’s had a bit of flu.

“He’ll train with us on Thursday and we’ll get him ready for a big weekend.”