MIKE Sheron has quit Warrington Town after his troublesome knee injury persuaded him to bring his playing days to an end.

Sheron was unveiled as the biggest signing in the club's history just over a month ago, but having previously been on the sidelines for six months with the knee problem, the former Manchester City striker needed games to assess whether he was fit enough to extend his career.

The answer has - unfortunately for Town - proved to be no, after the injury flared up following his home debut against Spalding and convinced Sheron to call it a day.

It is a blow for both Town and the Lymm-based 33-year-old, who was sad but realistic about the end of his career.

"It is disappointing but I'm keen to push ahead with my coaching career," said Sheron.

"To be quite honest I wouldn't say I've been forced to retire, it's a decision I've made for my future.

"The knee was sore after the Spalding match, but it wasn't wholly down to that. It was just too big a commitment to keep on playing in that situation, and I have my family to think about as well.

"I don't want to steal a living for the next two years, but one good thing that has come out of playing for Warrington Town is that I've had the chance to see them play, and as a coach you pick things up from that.

"I've enjoyed it here and the lads made me feel at home. It goes without saying I wish them well for the future, and I'm still coaching there on Thursday nights for the foreseeable future.

"It's just a bit disappointing that I couldn't play more games for them and score a goal."

In the end Glenn Walker's troops' only two opportunities to play alongside Sheron both ended in defeat.

Town go into their FA Trophy third qualifying round tie with Kidsgrove Athletic at Cantilever Park on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, hoping to earn a tie with a Conference club by reaching the next stage.

Kidsgrove face Town again - just three weeks after Walker's men came from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 in Staffordshire in the league - despite losing their second qualifying round match against Gateshead, who were later expelled from the competition for fielding an ineligible player.

A home tie against the fellow UniBond League First Division side represents a good opportunity for Town and Walker wants people to turn up and back the team on an important day for the club.

He said: "We hope the crowd will come down and support us. We're glad that we've got Kidsgrove because they'll probably bring more supporters than Gateshead, but the game will be just as tough and we've already had a good game against them recently, although I won't mind if we win 1-0 this time.

"The cups are important because they take the pressure off the league. Rather than playing league games all the time, the cup games give the players a lift."

Town could also set up a home tie with Burscough or Southport in the second round of the Liverpool Senior Cup if they beat Formby at Cantilever Park on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Saturday's home match with Bishop Auckland was postponed because of a frozen pitch but the reserves were in action and won 2-0 at Whitchurch.

The Mid-Cheshire League win came courtesy of two late goals from Lee Boardman.

His first was a low drive from the edge of the box that came three minutes from time.

Deep into injury time he was put clear by substitute Andy Moores and Boardman rounded the goalkeeper to complete a deserved victory.