PAUL Carden hailed Dylan Vassallo’s “unplayable” display as his Warrington Town side beat relegation-threatened Workington on Tuesday night.

Vassallo came off the bench to score both goals in Yellows’ 2-0 win – a superb individual effort to put Town ahead before scoring directly from a corner to seal the victory that kept them top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

READ > How Vassallo’s individual brilliance inspired Yellows victory

In a game that was often devoid of quality on a difficult pitch at Borough Park, Yellows came through the other side thanks largely to the midfielder’s individual brilliance.

“It was a scrappy game,” Carden said.

“When we wanted to, I thought we had a lot of control in the first half.

“Jack Mackreth’s put a couple of crosses in that led to things. Their lad’s put one against his own bar and Bohan’s had a shot just wide.

“It looked like it was going to be one of those games. The pitch wasn’t even a pitch.

“It was muddy, heavy and sapping – not conducive to playing any sort of football.

“The main thing for us was keeping a clean sheet as I always felt we had someone who could do something special at the other end.

“Dylan’s popped up and done that. He was unplayable when he came on.”

The introduction of Vassallo and fellow substitute Connor McCarthy was vital in turning the game in Town’s favour as their pace stretched the belligerent Workington defence.

They had started to gain control when Vassallo danced through and smashed an effort beyond Reds keeper Aaran Taylor at his near post.

However, Carden says it is a switch he may not have made had Tony Gray not gone down with an ankle injury.

“Tony took a knock on his ankle and the way it was going, I thought we could match them as they were playing a rigid 4-4-2,” he said.

“Connor just gave us a little bit more in behind them, Josh caused them issues and caused them to drop and Dylan does what he does – dances through and smashes one right through the keeper.

“From that moment on, I knew we would see it out because we were determined.

“One thing I said before the game was about the need to defend better.

“Every time they had a throw-in it was like they had a corner but we dealt with them really well.”

The crucial second goal came in bizarre circumstances as Vassallo’s corner curled straight in at the far post.

Warrington Guardian:

Celebrations as Dylan Vassallo's corner goes straight in. Picture by John Hopkins

“That was an unbelievable delivery. It’s taken everyone out of the game,” Carden said.

“It must be a couple of feet above the bar in the middle of the goal, but it swings right in and dips.

“He’s got that kind of thing in him. He drives you crackers because you know he has it in his locker.

“On nights like tonight, you always welcome when they turn it on.”

Carden confirmed Gray’s injury that forced him off at half time did not look too serious but he will be assessed ahead of Yellows’ trip to Mickleover Sports on Saturday.