PAUL Carden has backed his senior Warrington Town players to continue “nurturing the belief” within the squad whilst keeping them grounded.

Yellows have enjoyed a fabulous start to the season and sit second in the Evo-Stik Premier Division having won seven league games in a row without conceding a goal – their run since their defence was last breached in the league now stands at just under 15 hours.

Not only that, but they have the chance to reach the FA Cup first round proper for only the second time in their history when they host National League side FC Halifax Town at Cantilever Park on October 20.

Before that, though, Town have two more league games to play – both of which are at home – as they host Matlock Town on Saturday, kick off 3pm, and Stafford Rangers on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Carden says his side cannot be distracted by the upcoming cup tie and says the likes of centre-halves Mark Roberts and David Raven are key in driving that focus.

“There is a belief amongst them and we have to keep nurturing that and keep pushing whilst staying grounded,” he told the Guardian.

“There’s no other way this squad would be.

“The hardest part about managing this squad at the moment is managing who’s not in the 11.

“There’s a mentality about us that we’ll back each other, but we’ll also tell each other when things are going against us.

“The likes of Robbo and Dave, who will be managers when their playing days are up, are big for that.

“To have that type of experience in the side, especially at the heart of the back four, makes life easier when it comes to me relaying messages.

“I’ll shout something on and I’ll have an answer back off Dave or Robbo saying they have told them.

“We’re on the same wavelength and it’s really important to have that.”

On Saturday, Town host a Matlock side that are hovering just above the Evo-Stik Premier Division relegation zone.

However, Carden says underestimating them would lead to his side being “bitten on the backside” and highlighted the importance of keeping Gladiators strikers Craig Westcarr and Marcus Marshall quiet.”

“I look at Matlock’s squad and they had a good win on Tuesday against a Marine side that were in form,” he said.

“They’ve got Marcus Marshall and Craig Westcarr up front who are proven players at higher levels.

“If you’ve got two forwards on the pitch who are proven higher up, you know you always have a chance.

“We know we’ve got to be on it. We have to be on it against everybody.

“We’re 11 games in. There is nothing won in October.

“In another 11 games, who’s to say Matlock won’t be up there?

“It’s very early to be looking at league tables and saying we should beat them. That’s where it bites you on the backside.”