GOAL hero Craig Robinson admits it is a huge relief to be available for Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Gateshead, but is gutted for absent teammate Ben Wharton.

Robinson, who scored the winner against Exeter City last round, and Wharton both faced bans after being sent off in the league against Kendal.

But Robinson’s two-match suspension, opposed to Wharton’s three, means the central defender is likely to be back in the Warrington Town squad for the second round outing.

“It was a massive relief,” he said. “I went from the highs of the Exeter game to the low of possibly missing the biggest game of my career.

“I could see in Ben’s eyes he was gutted. I was gutted for myself, but more worried about making sure he could get his head around it.

“One of the things we want to do is make sure he’s involved on the day.”

It took a Doodson Sport Cup win against Radcliffe Borough, adding Tuesday's trip to Workington to the calendar, to ensure Robinson's ban would be served in time.

“I had Ossett and Workington weather up on my phone, looking at them every two hours to make sure the games went ahead,” laughed Robinson.

“There were people saying different things and we found out we couldn’t appeal, but when I heard if we won the Radcliffe game it would mean I was available, it was a massive relief.

“The lads are aiming to win for everyone at the club, but we can also say to Ben ‘we’ll do it for you’, so he has another shot at the next round.

“Everybody has played their part. Chris Gahgan didn’t feature in the last round, but scored the winner against Colwyn Bay.”

The 32-year-old is now eyeing a history-making spot in the competition’s third round, which would see the Yellows break Chasetown’s record as the lowest-ranked club to reach that stage.

“If we win we’ll be making history as the lowest-ranked team to ever reach the third round,” he explained.

“We’re not going to be overconfident, but everything seems to be working out perfectly in our FA Cup story and that’s what the lads believe.”

Robinson, who was invited to the second round draw by BBC, would happily relive the aftermath of his goal-scoring heroics against Exeter.

“What a weekend that was,” he added. “It was a brilliant experience and it’s driving me on as I want more of it over the Christmas period.

“It was a massive to be involved in what the big teams do and what they see, like going to Match of the Day – I want more of it!”

* Don't miss a free colour poster backing the Yellows and a full preview to the FA Cup date with Gateshead in this week's Warrington Guardian.