Warrington Town v Grantham Town match preview

If nothing else, to see if Warrington Town can take one more step towards promotion.

They have been in the play-offs pretty much all season and occupied second place for much of that until they were pipped to the runners-up spot by Ashton United on the final day.

However, all their hard work will come undone if they lose to Grantham Town tonight.

Yellows have won many hearts and minds with their successes this year, not just in the league but with their run to the last 16 of the FA Trophy.

Now is the time for them to grasp the thing they have been striving for all season – promotion to the National League North.

Will we see more celebratory scenes for Yellows tonight? Picture by John Hopkins

So how do the play-offs work?

At the same time as Yellows and Grantham square off, Ashton United host Farsley Celtic in the other semi-final.

The ties are one-legged affairs, with extra time and penalties in play if a winner cannot be found in 90 minutes.

If Yellows lose, their season is over.

However, a victory would take them into Saturday’s final to be played at the finalist with the highest league position.

Should they face Farsley in the final, the game would be played at Cantilever Park, but if Ashton are their opponents, Town would have to travel to Hurst Cross.

What they’ve said:

“There is a lot of quality in the side and if we turn up and do what we’re good at, I’ve got no worries about the game and I certainly won’t have any complaints.

“If we play like I know we can, I will not have any complaints whatever the outcome.

“Everyone at the club has done really well.”

Paul Carden, Warrington Town manager (picture by John Hopkins)

“We have been in great form recently, as have Warrington.

“We all know that the play-offs are a lottery and form is irrelevant.

“I believe in these players and I know we will have a great following from our fantastic support on Tuesday night to help us get the win.”

Adam Stevens, Grantham Town manager

Numbers game:

Warrington have lost only four games at Cantilever Park this season, which is the joint-least number of home defeats in the division alongside leaders Altrincham

However, nobody won more away games during the regular season than Grantham Town, who have won 14 times on the road.

Grantham Town won 14 of their 23 regular-season away games, but were beaten 2-1 by Warrington on their last trip to Cantilever Park on March 17. Picture by John Hopkins

Warrington team news:

Yellows boss Paul Carden is low on numbers, with the likes of captain Jay McCarten (ankle), striker Tony Gray (knee) and midfielder Dylan Vassallo (groin) on the long-term injury list.

Left-back Rory McKeown and winger Mekhi Leacock-McLeod are both suspended.

However, it is hoped full-back Adam Carden – the manager’s younger brother – will be fit after a hamstring injury.

It is hoped Adam Carden will be fit for Yellows. Picture by John Hopkins

Grantham team news:

By contrast to their hosts, the Gingerbreads have pretty much a full squad to choose from.

Their only confirmed absentee is midfielder Luke Shaw, while Harry Vince’s availability depending on whether the extension of his loan period from Boston United being ratified in time.

Ones to watch:

Warrington – Sean Williams

The midfielder has been an unlikely source of goals for Yellows this season, having struck 15 times from central midfield so far.

Carden is always quick to highlight the importance of the former Telford man in terms of executing their style of play.

The likely presence of the more defensive-minded Steve Jennings as his midfield partner will give him license to support the attack and add to his impressive goal tally.

Sean Williams will be key to Yellows' hopes of victory tonight. Picture by John Hopkins

Grantham – Lee Shaw

His goal return may have slowed down in 2018, but Shaw is still a man to keep an eye on.

He has scored 29 league goals this season – only Buxton’s Liam Hardy has scored more with 34 – but 23 of those came before December.

There were rumours of Football League clubs chasing his signature, and he will be keen to make an impression in what could be his final game for the Gingerbreads.

Match odds (via William Hill):

Warrington 21/20

Grantham 9/5

Essential info:

When: Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Kick off: 7.45pm

Where: Cantilever Park, Common Lane, Warrington WA4 2RS

Cantilever Park. Picture by John Hopkins

Ticket prices:

Fans can pay on the door for tonight’s game. Season tickets are not valid.

£10 adults, £5 concessions, £2 under 16s.

How can I follow the game?

The Warrington Guardian will be live at Cantilever Park for the big game.

Sports reporter Matt Turner will bring you a very special edition of ‘Matchday Live’ from around 6.30pm, bringing you build-up and all the action as it happens.

After the final whistle, make sure you stay tuned for reaction from the Yellows camp whatever the result.