Keeping it on the deck

IN recent weeks, Yellows have sometimes had a tendency to go direct too quickly.

Against a Grantham side that had a clear physical advantage over them, doing so on Saturday would have been hugely counter-productive – but they knew that.

The pitch at The Meres was increasingly dry and bobbly, but some of the football Paul Carden’s side played on it was magnificent.

While the hosts went long and to the channels to their two big strikers Remaye Campbell and Tom Siddons, Yellows were a bit more cunning with their approach.

Tony Gray was constantly dropping in behind main striker Jake Kirby – a move which caused Grantham’s two flat banks of four in defence and midfield plenty of problems – while wingers Jack Mackreth and Dylan Vassallo buzzed around and rarely stuck to their touchline.

Carden’s side must be applauded for their commitment to playing on the floor in increasingly difficult conditions.

Grantham 0 Yellows 2 - The Verdict

Warrington Guardian:

Bohan Dixon's goal finally rewarded Yellows' dominance at Grantham. Picture by John Hopkins

Beeley slots straight in

ROB Evans was struggling with illness yesterday and while he travelled and was named on the bench, Carden told us post-match that he was reluctant to use him and potentially make him worse.

That meant a recall for Shaun Beeley alongside Ben Garrity in central midfield, and he did not disappoint.

He is not the tallest of players, but he is deceptively good in the air and rarely lost a header against some much bigger Gingerbreads midfielders.

Both midfielders put in a combative display and were calm on and off the ball when it was needed.

Beeley’s vast experience complimented the raw talent of Garrity well, and the fact he can be drafted in shows the depth of quality Carden has at his disposal.

Warrington Guardian:

Shaun Beeley was brought back into the side to good effect at Grantham. Picture by John Hopkins

Mackreth getting back to his best

WHEN his Yellows career started with four goals in his first five appearances, Mackreth looked unstoppable.

His raw pace was causing Evo-Stik Premier Division defences endless nightmares, while he was getting himself in the right place to finish off moves.

The man signed from Wrexham has been a bit quieter in the past few weeks, but he was the game’s stand-out player at The Meres as he set up Town’s first goal and scored the second.

He did not just rely on straight-line speed to beat the Grantham defence, often twisting and turning them inside out.

The first goal was a perfect demonstration of that – the cross he provided with his weaker left foot put the ball on a plate for Bohan Dixon.

He deserved his place on the scoresheet, and his penalty was impressively dispatched.

Warrington Guardian:

Jack Mackreth's display deserved a goal - and he got one from the penalty spot late on. Picture by John Hopkins

A much-needed boost for confidence

AS if to demonstrate how quickly games come around at this level, it may have surprised some people that Yellows had amassed a five-game winless run over the past few weeks.

That run had seen them lose their past two Evo-Stik Premier Division games and ended their participation in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

Carden admitted he had to “rattle” a few of his players in training as a few were “feeling sorry for themselves.”

If they had failed to make the most of their dominance against a Grantham side that are in dire form, the rot may have set in further.

However, they came away with a much-needed three points that will be a big boost for morale within the camp.

'We showed what we're about,' says Yellows boss Carden

Warrington Guardian:

Dylan Vassallo was denied a potential breakthrough when his fall under this challenge saw him booked for simulation - but it mattered not in the end. Picture by John Hopkins

The chase is on

WHETHER they like it or not, the combination of an extended FA Cup run and a couple of defeats has left Yellows playing catch-up to those above them.

Yesterday’s win was not enough to move them up from fifth place, but the importance of the three points was put into context by news of the league’s top two – Scarborough Athletic and Nantwich Town – both suffering defeats.

With as many as four games in hand on teams around them, Yellows remain in prime position to strike – but the next few games remain key.

Following Tuesday’s Cheshire Senior Cup game against Stockport County in which many front-line players are expected to be rested, Town are on the road again on Saturday at improving Hednesford Town.

Another three points there would set up the tasty visit of third-placed Basford United to Cantilever Park on November 17 even more…

Warrington Guardian:

Yellows celebrate Jack Mackreth's converted penalty at Grantham. Picture by John Hopkins