Warrington Town boss backs players to end losing run

Three straight defeats in all competitions have drained momentum from the decent start they had made to the campaign, although they are still handily placed just outside the play-off spots in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division.

All three of those losses have also seen them concede three goals – an odd trait for a side that has built a reputation as one of the best in the division in terms of keeping teams out.

A trip to struggling Ashton United tomorrow represents a chance to get back on track after contrasting 3-2 losses this week.

While Saturday’s reverse at leaders South Shields saw them show character to fight back from three goals down, Tuesday’s home loss to Basford United was the exact opposite as they crumbled to defeat despite being 2-0 up.

As players such as defender Evan Gumbs and midfielder Matty McDonald edge towards returns from long-term injury, however, Carden is optimistic a corner will be turned soon.

When asked what he felt was the root cause of their poor form, the Yellows boss believes his side are letting themselves down with the decisions they are making on the pitch.

Yellows boss Paul Carden. Picture by Mike Boden

“We just have to keep going,” he said.

“You can see we’ve got a good side, but we’re being undone by our own poor decision-making in certain situations – I won’t say naivety because we’ve got experienced lads in there.

“I’m gutted for the results and the way it’s panning out, but I’m absolutely not despondent with what we’ve got. We have a more than capable squad.

“We got Evan (Gumbs) on the pitch on Tuesday, hopefully Matty McDonald is back soon, and we’ve got Ben Hough and James Baillie to come back in.

“All of a sudden, it starts to get where we need to get it to.”

As well as existing players returning to contention, Carden has been able to add a familiar face to his squad in the shape of Sean Williams.

The central midfielder has rejoined the club on an initial month-long loan deal from National League side Altrincham – the club he joined after a successful first spell at Cantilever Park.

The deal was confirmed prior to Saturday’s trip to South Shields and he started both that game and Tuesday’s loss to Basford.

Sean Williams is back at Warrington Town on loan from Altrincham. Picture by Lewis Tate

Williams scored 15 times in 72 appearances for Yellows between 2016 and 2018, showing the kind of form that earned him a chance higher up the footballing pyramid.

Town have been trying to bring him back to the club for some time and Carden is delighted to finally have his man.

“We know how good he is,” he said.

“He played all of last season two leagues above this on merit because he worked his way up with Altrincham.

“He got his chance in the Conference North and then the Conference, but the manager has gone a different way and wants something different in midfield.

“Sean gave it a go and tried to fight his way back in but it wasn’t to be.

“I’ve been in regular contact with him over the summer and through the early part of the season, so I’m glad he’s come.”