THERE was a time not long ago where the sight of Nantwich Town across the field would automatically make shoulder slump in the Warrington ranks.

Now, however, the opposite appears to be true.

Three goals secured a third victory over their Cheshire rivals this calendar year, made it three home wins in a row and moved them up to third in the league table – three really was the magic number for Town.

If anybody thought three weeks without a fixture would lead to any ring rust, Paul Carden’s side dispelled that particular myth inside nine minutes.

They bristled with intent and before they knew it, their first two efforts of note had yielded goals.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington Guardian: Warrington Guardian:

Mark Roberts heads in the opener for Yellows. Pictures by John Hopkins

However, before any Town fan could reach for the record books, Sean Cooke had pulled a goal back as Nantwich finally got started.

The Dabbers are clearly an excellent side and they move the ball around better than most, but they never really looked like breaking Yellows down.

Paul Carden speaks a lot about controlling the game without the ball and this was another shining example of it.

Town were organised and in Bohan Dixon and Jack Mackreth, they had outlets of power and speed to get them up the pitch quickly.

At the moment, Dixon appears fit and high on confidence. Great news for Yellows, not so much for their rivals.

On song, there are surely few players at this level better and he is revelling in the free role he currently occupies in the Warrington midfield.

With license to drop deep and roam as he pleased, his powerful ball-carrying and range of passing can come to the fore.

He deserved his goal, finishing off a delicious team passing move – the kind of goal that would be repeated regularly on Match of the Day if scored by a top-flight team.

Warrington Guardian:

Bohan Dixon sweeps home Town's third goal. Picture by John Hopkins

The top-quality ball he, Garrity and Steve Jennings gave Mackreth and Tom Warren meant Yellows had plenty of joy out wide.

In Matty Devine, Mackreth was up against one of the only full-backs in this division who could match him for pace.

It made for an intriguing battle, but his delivery won the day when raw speed did not – his cross for Garrity’s goal was quite sublime.

As well as the victory, how good it was to see Jack Dunn back on the field and looking like his old self after a season wrecked by injury thus far.

If he can remain fit, he will be key to this side continuing to go from strength to strength.