Matt Turner watched Yellows lose to Stafford Rangers yesterday. Here, he takes a closer look at the game...

Example of the twists and turns to come

NOT many would have called this result before kick-off – probably the same people that thought Farsley being beaten at Lancaster a few weeks ago was pie in the sky.

However, yesterday was a shining example that bottom can beat top on any given day in this ultra-competitive league.

Talk of teams having “easier” run-ins is dangerous – the teams at the bottom are just as desperate for points as those fighting for promotion.

Yellows cannot let this result derail them. They have come too far to let things slip away now.

If there was a time to have a sticky patch, this definitely is not it.

> Yellows made to rue early red card

Warrington Guardian:

Robbie Evans makes progress through midfield against Stafford Rangers. Picture by John Hopkins

Town show excellent resolve

THE best-laid plans are often the ones that are disrupted and that was the case after just 11 minutes when Ben Garrity was sent off, leaving Town to play 79 minutes with a man less.

While there was not too much doubt about his second booking, his first yellow card for simulation in the penalty area was more contentious.

Only Garrity and the Stafford defender who appeared to trip him will know if there was contact, but Town must live with referee Jack Nield’s decision.

It has to be said though, their reorganisation following the red card was impressive.

All three of Stafford’s goals came from set-pieces, which will be a particular annoyance to Paul Carden as apart from that, the visitors did not look like opening them up until late on when Town were forced to throw men forward.

When Marcus Cusani struck late on to set up a grandstand finish, the 11 men were really holding on against the 10 but sadly it was not to be.

> Carden praises Yellows effort but blasts 'inconsistent' referee

Warrington Guardian:

Ben Garrity is shown the red card. Picture by John Hopkins

Positivity from the bench

PAUL Carden had to be creative with his substitutions after going a man down and he remained bold despite the risk.

The performance of Cusani – who was making his home debut after signing from Ashton Athletic – gave particular cause for optimism.

He appears to be a good mix of physicality and technical ability, with his height and power complemented by his willingness to dribble and go past defenders.

Cusani also took his goal extremely well and showed he could be a big player in the next few weeks.

Another who may fall into that category is Russell Benjamin, the midfielder who has been in and around the squad for most of the season but has rarely appeared.

He too kept things ticking over and was impressive in carrying the ball and breaking up play when he came on.

Warrington Guardian:

Marcus Cusani's lively display off the bench was rewarded with a goal. Picture by John Hopkins

Midfield conundrum

GARRITY had been a league ever-present for Town, but he will now miss next weekend’s visit of Whitby Town through suspension.

That will open up a sizeable hole in central midfield, but Carden does have plenty of options.

Shaun Beeley could fill in alongside Robbie Evans, but his excellent performances at right-back in the past two games may mean Carden is reluctant to move him.

In that case, it could be an opportunity for Benjamin to make his first league start for the club.

Carden admitted post-match that the former Southport man has not had the chances his performances in training have deserved due to the form of Garrity, Beeley and Robbie Evans at different points of the season.

Could his time be now?

Warrington Guardian:

Robbie Evans will have a new partner in central midfield next week. Picture by John Hopkins

Returnees could make all the difference

IN this super-tight title race, any dropped points are always going to be keenly felt.

This weekend it was Warrington’s turn to feel the pinch, but it cannot be allowed to turn into a poor run.

However, they should be helped by some key returns for next week’s game against Whitby Town.

Josh Amis, who came off the bench yesterday despite nursing a groin injury, will be in a better position, as will Tony Gray who had to miss out altogether with a hamstring problem.

Carden also intimated winger Jack Dunn would be fit after his own hamstring injury, so there may be a bit more familiarity about Yellows in attack next week.

Warrington Guardian:

Josh Amis came off the bench yesterday despite nursing a groin injury. Picture by John Hopkins