Warrington Town...0

Fleetwood Free...3

THE scoreline gives the impression that this FA Vase Second Round tie at Cantilever Park was a one-sided contest which was not the case.

After a five match lay-off Warrington saw their brave bid to force extra time against higher division opponents extinguished when Fleetwood snatched two late goals.

The visitors' clinical finishing proved the deciding factor, hitting the target from the only three chances they created throughout the match.

In contrast, Town were out of touch in front of goal, spurning a host of scoring opportunities.

Midfielder Dave Tickle, in particular, was left to rue four failed attempts to find the mark.

He saw a powerful header brilliantly palmed aside by keeper Peter Summer, prior to Peter Smith nodding Fleetwood into a 16th minute lead.

Tickle was further frustrated before the interval after firing narrowly wide from the edge of the box and then directed a header against the top of the bar.

Warrington maintained their attacking momentum during the second half, but without reward as Fleetwood were content to defend in depth.

Dave Pick headed inches over from close range, with Tickle, Mike Heveron and Neil Holden adding to Warrington's anguish when they squandered gilt-edged openings to equalise.

Fleetwood put the outcome beyond doubt with goals by Andy Mainds and substitute Stuart Parkinson, despite being reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes remaining, following the sending off of Stuart Todhunter for violent conduct.

Team: McCormack, Cartledge, Callaghan, Tague, Harris, Hives, Pick, Tickle, Holden, Heveron, Morgan.

Colin Serjent.