LIKE almost every non-league manager up and down the country, the next four weeks will be challenging for Paul Carden and Dave McNabb.

From today, Thursday, non-elite football will pause until December 3 at the earliest as a national lockdown begins to try and curb the spread of Covid-19.

With training sessions also banned as part of the new regulations, the managers will not even have the chance to work on things in preparation for the return to action.

McNabb’s Warrington Rylands side go into the break top of the North West Counties League Premier Division following a 3-0 win at Congleton Town on Tuesday, and so going for an extended spell without playing stunts momentum that had been steadily building.

> How Warrington Rylands went top before lockdown

“It’s going to be difficult,” the Blues boss said.

“We’ll be giving the lads sessions to do at home such as runs or circuit sessions but ultimately, its up to the lads to stay fit.

“The only thing you can say about this break is that it’s the same for everyone.

“Lots of teams have injuries, players isolating and other things going on where they’re having to do different things because of everything that’s going on.

“It’s four weeks – hopefully its only that and we can get back to it.”

Warrington Guardian:

Rylands are top of the North West Counties League Premier Division going into lockdown. Picture by Mark Percy

For Warrington Town, their promising start to the Pitching In Northern Premier League season has fizzled out somewhat.

Having won their first four league games, they have now lost three of their past five including a 3-1 reverse at FC United of Manchester on Tuesday.

> Read about how Yellows were 'schooled' in their final game for a while here

If anything, has the break come at a good time for them?

“You’ll only find your form when you’re playing, not through pauses or suspensions,” manager Carden affirmed.

“It’s just disruptive. It’s not normal and it’s not what anyone needs or wants.

“I don’t see it being four weeks, I see it being longer to be honest.

“Everyone’s in the same position. The way its been laid out for our division doesn’t seem right, but I suppose they have to draw a line somewhere.

“It’s a bit cloudy but it’s unprecedented. Nobody knows what to do for right nor wrong until something works.

“Hopefully it goes away and normal becomes normal again.”

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Town will be hoping a return from lockdown signals a return to winning ways. Picture by Darren Murphy