WARRINGTON Town boss Paul Carden says a partnership between strikers Tony Gray and Jamie McDonald will be “a nightmare to defend against."

Gray made his return from a hamstring injury when he came off the bench in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Bamber Bridge in the FA Trophy.

He came on to partner McDonald, who scored both of Town’s goals to take his tally since joining from City of Liverpool to four, in attack and they look set to start together when Yellows welcome Sutton Coldfield Town to Cantilever Park on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

After getting an initial taste of what their link-up may look like, Carden says he is looking forward to unleashing Gray and McDonald’s partnership on the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

“Having Tony Gray back is great. He and Jamie McDonald will cause teams in this league no end of problems,” he said.

“They are both clever players, technically very good and hard-working. I knew straight away they would hit it off.

“Tony came on for the last half-hour on Saturday and the pair of them played as if they’d been playing together for years.

“You can’t beat the type of forwards they are. They are a nightmare to defend against.

“Even though they’re not the biggest, they know how to hold the ball up and protect the ball because they are very good technically.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them playing together a lot more.”

Warrington Guardian:

Tony Gray, seen here scoring against Farsley Celtic, is back in contention for Yellows after a hamstring injury. Picture by John Hopkins

Saturday’s opponents sit bottom of the league having won just three games all season, but the Yellows boss says that is no reason for his side to be complacent.

“It doesn’t matter who you play against, they are all tough games,” he said.

“They will close down, run around and make it hard. It’s up to us to be on our game.

“They are down there fighting for every point, but we’re fighting as well for our own reasons.”

TRANSFER NEWS:

TWO players have departed Yellows this week, but two of the club's loanees have extended their stays at Cantilever Park.

Connor Hughes, signed in the summer from Worcester City, has moved on and the winger has signed for fellow Evo-Stik Premier Division side Stalybridge Celtic.

Hughes leaves having scored five goals in all competitions for Yellows this season.

Warrington Guardian:

Connor Hughes scoring for Yellows against Matlock Town. Picture by John Hopkins

Caleb Richards also departs after League One side Blackpool decided to recall him from his loan with Town.

The versatile teenager started for the Seasiders in their 4-1 win over Middlesbrough's under 21s in the Checkatrade Trophy on Wednesday.

Warrington Guardian:

Caleb Richards played in several different positions, including right-back, left-back and central midfield, during his spell with Warrington. Picture by John Hopkins

However, defender Evan Gumbs and forward James Barrigan will remain with Paul Carden's side until January after their loans from Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic respectively were extended.