Town dig deep again
FOR the second time in as many games, we saw a true demonstration of Warrington Town’s mental fortitude.
Against Witton – as with Saturday’s clash with Buxton – it was far from a vintage Yellows performance, but they were rewarded for keeping going right until the end.
When they quite conceivably could have had only two points from these games, here they sit having taken six.
It is a well-worn footballing cliché, but good teams always find a way.
With the quality in the Town dressing room at the moment, there is always faith that they can make something happen – no matter how late it comes.
READ > How Yellows gave neighbours Witton a dose of déjà vu
READ > Carden hails Yellows resilience after another late win
Jack Mackreth's winner was the second time in as many games Yellows have struck in injury time. Picture by John Hopkins
Red-hot Dunn becoming undroppable
IN Yellows’ current run of five consecutive wins, few have shone brighter than Jack Dunn.
Barely a month ago, he was the forgotten man at Cantilever Park but has now scored in each of his past three games.
He has made that left-wing spot his own, and it is now tough to imagine a Warrington Town side without him in it.
His link-up with Connor McCarthy and Dom Reid had Witton’s defenders chasing shadows at times, while it was his superb through ball that set up Jack Mackreth’s dramatic winner.
The goal he scored – and the general swagger with which he is playing currently – has all the hallmarks of a man in top form.
Jack Dunn has now scored in each of his past three appearances. Picture by John Hopkins
Strength in depth shows
WITH a huge trip to Basford United to come on Saturday – and with the generally hectic festive schedule in full swing – Paul Carden understandably chose to shuffle his pack.
In came Evan Gumbs for his third Yellows debut, while Connor McCarthy and Dom Reid were rewarded for game-turning displays off the bench in the win over Buxton with starts.
While Gumbs’ afternoon ended prematurely (more on that later), the latter two did their chances of a run in the team no harm whatsoever.
Ask yourself this: How many other teams at this level can afford to give players of the quality of Robbie Evans and Tony Gray the afternoon off and still win?
Connor McCarthy made his first start since returning to Yellows at Witton. Picture by John Hopkins
Gumbs very unlucky
AS he starts his third loan spell with Yellows, Evan Gumbs’ third debut for the club was ended by an 89th-minute red card.
Referee Jonathan Maskry was quick to dismiss him following a firm challenge on Witton skipper Rob Hopley.
Even in real time, it was a decision that looked extremely harsh, but video replays show just how unlucky the 21-year-old was.
Thankfully, this was not a decision that cost Town on the day, but it may well do down the line.
As it stands, Gumbs will now be banned for three games.
Suspensions at this level do not come into force until seven days after they are handed down, so while he remains available for Saturday’s trip to Basford, Paul Carden will not be able to pick him again until the home game against Lancaster City on January 19 – the day his loan spell expires.
That said, Town keeper Charlie Albinson could perhaps consider himself fortunate to stay on the field after he pulled down Rob Hopley - who had a clear shot at an open goal - to concede a penalty.
Albinson escaped without even a caution, but nobody could really have argued if a red card was shown.
Evan Gumbs could consider himself massively unfortunate to be sent off at Witton. Picture by John Hopkins
Massive tests to come
TOWN’S winning run now stands at five games, but the next week or two will play a big part in shaping their season.
Three of their next four games are trips to teams in and around them – starting with Saturday’s visit to Basford United.
Farsley Celtic and Scarborough Athletic lie in wait on the other side of the new year, with a home game against Bamber Bridge on New Year’s Day in between.
If Yellows can emerge from the next four games still in the midst of an unbeaten run, they will be remarkably placed for a genuine title challenge.
The gap to leaders Nantwich Town appears daunting at seven points, but it is considerably less so when you consider Yellows have four games in hand.
If more confidence-boosting results follow in the weeks to come, it is a gap they will back themselves to bridge.
Yellows and Basford meet again on Saturday having drawn 1-1 at Cantilever Park in November. Picture by John Hopkins
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