Jack Dunn could hold key to Warrington Town promotion hopes

The mercurial winger was so key to Yellows’ run to the brink of the National League North last season, but this campaign has been more stop-start for him.

Injuries have stopped him from putting together a consistent run of games and at the end of January, he was taken on loan by National League North side Southport.

Having made just three substitute appearances for the Sandgrounders, Dunn is back with the Town squad and made his return off the bench in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Ashton United.

With two more crucial games coming up – a trip to Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday, kick off 3pm, and a home meeting with Matlock Town on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm – manager Paul Carden knows Dunn could be a pivotal player for his side.

“I’ve never denied how good a player at is, but it is fitness and motivation with Jack,” he said.

“If Jack Dunn is fit and fancies it, there is no better player in the league at what he does. I’ve told him that.

“He’s come back from Southport where he hasn’t played as much as he would have liked because they’ve had a few called off.

“He’s not missed a training session since, which is good.

“He’ll be in training again on Thursday. He’s back with us and it’s a good addition to have.”

Yellows are once again likely to be without goalkeeper Tony McMillan and defender Dave Raven for Saturday’s trip to Stalybridge with calf and hamstring injuries respectively.

Carden provided a brief update on the fitness of both players, who are currently Town’s only injury worries.

“Tony trained last Thursday and on Saturday, but its stiffened up again so he probably did too much too soon,” he said.

“Dave is still feeling his hamstring in the back of his knee, so it’s probably more of a hamstring tendon issue than a strain. We’ll keep an eye on it.”

On-loan Wigan Athletic stopper Bobby Jones will continue to deputise between the sticks while Mitch Duggan partnered Mark Roberts in defence in Raven’s absence at Ashton on Tuesday.