Guardian sports reporter Matt Turner takes a look at some of the finer details of Yellows' 2-0 win at Matlock Town...

One down, five to go

BEFORE this game, Town knew nothing other than winning all of their remaining games would do if they were to be crowned Evo-Stik Premier Division champions – and even that may not be enough.

One match down, just the five more to go.

There were signs that Yellows were getting back towards the sort of commanding, controlled display that has typified their season so far.

Matlock were game and boasted plenty of talent in their side, but at no point did they ever look like putting their visitors under serious pressure.

It is a shame that no progress was made in terms of narrowing the gap on South Shields and Farsley Celtic, but there is still time for twists and turns.

All Yellows can do is keep their own house in order and let everything that happens above them take care of itself.

Warrington Guardian:

Jack Dunn slides home Yellows' opening goal. Picture by John Hopkins

> How Yellows secured a play-off spot

Ability to kick up a gear pleasing

PITCHES can be a great leveller at this stage of the season and Matlock’s was no different.

The surface was incredibly dry and bobbly, making passing football extremely difficult for both sides.

While Matlock were slightly more direct, Yellows pressed ahead with an on-the-floor approach and it took a half to get used to it.

With the first period behind them, it was noticeable how Warrington put their foot on the gas after the break.

They put more emphasis on getting the ball into the wide areas where the two Jacks – Mackreth and Dunn – had repeated joy.

The goals came at good times and once they hit the front, they never looked like surrendering their lead.

Warrington Guardian:

Jack Mackreth made hay while the sun shone at Matlock. Picture by John Hopkins

> Carden highlights impact of wide players

Impressive discipline from midfield two

WITH Bohan Dixon playing higher up the field, the onus was on Ben Garrity and Robbie Evans to anchor the midfield.

It is not a role alien to either than them and once again they dovetailed superbly.

Evans was the cultured and vocal presence while Garrity buzzed around with the kind of energy which has seen him shoot to prominence this season.

Both of them had to be disciplined and they were just that, with their role coming into sharper focus after Jack Dunn had given Town the lead.

They dropped deeper, but the pair helped break up play and set off counter-attacks superbly.

As always, the remarkably calm and solid pairing of Mark Roberts and Dave Raven behind them kept everything controlled.

Warrington Guardian:

Robbie Evans produced a disciplined performance in central midfield alongside Ben Garrity. Picture by John Hopkins

Dixon shows what he can do

WITH Josh Amis injured, this was a big chance for Bohan Dixon to come in and remind people of his abilities.

While consistency has often been his downfall this year, yesterday showed just how capable he is.

Playing just in behind Tony Gray in a “number 10” role, his movement and laser-guided passing caused no end of problems for the Matlock defence.

That is no doubt his best position but with Paul Carden often preferring a 4-4-2 formation of late with two central strikers, it can sometimes be difficult to fit him in.

His best form was shown in that advanced midfield position around November and December. While no doubt an enigmatic presence, that element of unpredictability could work in Town’s favour when push comes to shove.

Warrington Guardian:

Bohan Dixon was impressive in an advanced midfield roll. Picture by John Hopkins

Pre-season target achieved

SATURDAY’S victory ensured that the worst Yellows can expect when the season finishes at the end of this month is a play-off place.

If you would have offered anybody associated with the club a secure top-five spot with five games remaining, they would have snatched your hand off.

Furthermore, a victory over Whitby Town on Tuesday would mean Yellows are guaranteed to finish no lower than third, which would mean a home play-off semi-final.

The target when the season kicked off was a play-off place and that seemed a long way away after a first month that saw them draw a blank in three of their first four games.

They will continue to hunt down the title until it is mathematically out of their reach, but they can reflect on another positive season however things pan out.

Warrington Guardian:

Town are now guaranteed a play-off place. Picture by John Hopkins