UNFORTUNATELY, this is a theme that is becoming painfully familiar for Warrington Town.

Once again, they had the better chances without playing well but struggled to break down stubborn opponents and found themselves punished at the other end.

While Town may have been doing most of the pushing going forward, it is difficult to recall a time Ashton’s former Yellows keeper Jon Worsnop was called into serious action.

Once Sam Sheridan had put the Robins ahead, there was little in the way of response. There did not seem to be any belief within the squad that they could turn the game around and at least force a replay.

> Carden hits out at Yellows' 'acceptance of defeat'

The only saving grace would be this latest defeat – a fourth on their own patch already this season – has not cost them any league points or ground on their rivals.

However, this cannot be allowed to go on. A solution needs to be found to their home form and fast.

The plan was clear – try to get runners beyond lone striker Tony Gray when he dropped into pockets of space in front of Ashton’s back four.

It was a tactic that would in theory expose the lack of pace in the visitors’ defence, particularly on the left-hand side.

Jack Mackreth had certain amounts of joy, but on the other side Alex Byrne was kept quiet by the impressive John Lufudu.

Warrington Guardian:

Jack Mackreth got in behind Ashton's Nicky Clee regularly. Picture by John Hopkins

There is usually an onus on Ben Garrity to get forward and add his aerial threat, but he found that difficult in a flat four-man midfield without leaving Shaun Beeley exposed behind him.

Gray looks badly isolated at the moment, his efforts often seeing him surrounded by three or four defenders.

Over the past couple of weeks, it has looked as if the load of being Yellows’ only fit and recognised striker is weighing heavy on him.

Paul Carden is loathed to keep sending him out there, but with Josh Amis injured and Matty Chadwick out on loan, he has little choice.

This game and others at home recently have highlighted Town’s need for a genuine goalscorer in their ranks – somebody who will make that run across defenders to get on the end of the multitude of dangerous crosses they put in.

They come at a price but you feel the need is becoming pretty desperate at the moment.

The scenes of celebration among the Ashton faithful at full time demonstrate how much of a scalp Yellows are this season.

They will have to get used to teams setting up to frustrate them at home and find a way to break them down.

They had the answers last season, but they are yet to find them in this.

Warrington Guardian:

Close but not close enough for Town. Picture by John Hopkins