Debutant's free kick maintains Town's run (From Warrington Guardian)

Owen Roberts free kick maintains Warrington Town run

4:17pm Monday 5th March 2012 in Latest news

Warrington Town 1 Woodley Sports 0

TOWN increased their unbeaten run to 10 matches with one moment of magic from debutant Owen Roberts enough to see off physical play-offs rivals Woodley Sports at Cantilever Park on Saturday.

Manager Joey Dunn, named divisional manager of the month for February, introduced Nick Jackson and recent signing Roberts into the starting 11 to replace the suspended Mike Duffy and Dale Wright, who was absent.

The game started slowly, with neither side creating much in the way of chances on goal until the 15th minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Pritchard was on hand to deny Woodley's Junior Sylla when through on goal before Woodley midfielder Chris Rowney shot wide when well-placed.

Midfielder Roberts, brought in from Evostik rivals Clitheroe, was first to go close for Town.

His shot was deflected over the crossbar by the Woodley rearguard.

The game flashed into life just after the half-hour mark when Woodley striker Jack Dorney was lucky to escape a straight red card for a late two-footed challenge on midfielder Kyle Hamid.

It sparked a minor melee between the players, with referee Mr Woodward producing a yellow card to the Woodley captain.

On the stroke of half time, Town went close to scoring.

Rob Hardwick’s shot beat Woodley keeper Callum Tongue after good work by Allan Collins but substitute Aaron Chalmers was in the right place to clear off the line and ensure a goalless first half.

When Allan Collins was fouled on the edge of the penalty area just after the hour mark, Town finally took their chance to open up a lead.

Roberts curled a sumptuous free kick around the Woodley wall and into the far corner of the net, with Tongue absolutely motionless on his line.

Woodley changed their system and became more offensive, with striker John Marsden shooting wide soon after.

As the game pushed towards its end, Woodley thought they had found an equaliser but Dorney's header was cleared off the line.

Shortly before the end, Rowney fouled Thompson from behind after the ball had gone and Woodward again produced a yellow card.

Deep into injury time, Woodley had their final chance to equalise but Marsden’s header went over the bar.

Town: Pritchard, Jackson, Cross, Humphreys, T Hardwick, Hamid, Collins, Roberts, Salmon (Adamson 59), R Hardwick (Thompson 88), Shipton. Subs not used: Ness, Glass, Anderson.