Warrington Town 2 Frickley Athletic 1

DAN Hattersley’s late winner allowed Warrington Town to maintain their play-off push as they ground out a victory over Frickley.

After Adam Priestley had put the visitors ahead, skipper Jay McCarten headed Yellows level before substitute Hattersley struck in the 88th minute.

The goal allowed Warrington to move up to fourth in the Evo-Stik Premier Division table after their third league victory in a row.

Paul Carden’s men flew out of the traps and visiting keeper Sebastian Malkowski was in inspired form early on to keep them off the scoresheet.

He made good saves from Connor McCarthy and Ruben Jerome before Lewis Codling’s effort from a short corner flew into the side netting.

However, Malkowski was at his very best in denying Jerome before somehow blocking McCarthy’s follow-up from point-blank range.

Then, completely against the run of play, a long ball caught the Yellows defence off guard and Priestley latched onto it to finish beyond Tony McMillan and give Frickley the lead.

The goal seemed the knock Yellows off their stride, with Danny Ventre’s free kick over the bar the closest they came to scoring.

Just before the break, they did find their breakthrough in slightly fortuitous circumstances from a corner that was initially given as a goal kick.

When Frickley’s protests died down, Sean Williams sent in the set piece and McCarten powered home a header.

Yellows again started strongly after the interval, but Frickley defended well to ensure Town failed to create too many chances of note.

Having come off the bench, Hattersley was millimetres away from connecting with a vicious Josh Askew cross, before Malkowski saved an effort from fellow sub Dylan Vassallo.

Jerome had strong appeals for a penalty turned down by referee Nathanael Cox as Frickley continued to frustrate their hosts.

Then, with time running out, the ball broke to Hattersley on the edge of the area and his slightly-deflected shot went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Warrington Town: McMillan, Harries, Askew, Williams, McCarten, Gumbs, Monaghan (Vassallo), Ventre (Duggan), McCarthy (Hattersley), Jerome, Codling. Subs not used: Smart, Shaw.