THE best teams of Paul Carden’s Warrington Town reign have been built from a strong defensive base.

Now, signs are emerging that Yellows are getting back to their miserly best on that front.

In their current eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions, they have conceded just twice – one of those being an own goal – and in their 21 games so far, they have shut the opposition out 12 times.

In the league, their defence has been breached 16 times in 17 outings – only unbeaten Buxton (11), third-place South Shields and fellow play-off hunters Stafford Rangers (both 14) can boast better records.

Carden believes goalkeeper Dan Atherton was over-worked earlier this season but now, he feels they have hit upon a good formula as skipper Mark Roberts and Mitch Duggan impress at the heart of the defence.

“At times earlier on in the season, we were still winning games but Dan was making some unbelievable saves,” the Town boss said.

“In our best seasons, I can remember umpteen occasions where (former Yellows goalkeeper) Tony McMillan came off the pitch not having had a save to make because the whole team was contributing to shots not getting through and crosses not coming into the box.

“If you limit those things, there’s every chance you’re going to keep clean sheets.

“Thankfully, we’ve found a good balance which sometimes you stumble upon.

“I think Mitch and Robbo have been immense, but everyone is playing a part.”

Finding their defensive groove is perhaps timely given injuries are starting to bite at the other end of the pitch.

Top scorer Jordan Buckley is set for a short spell on the sidelines having undergone surgery last week.

Yellows will also have to check on the fitness of Buckley’s fellow striker Josh Amis ahead of Saturday’s trip to Mickleover after he limped off with a hamstring issue during the FA Trophy win over Chasetown last time out.

“I don’t see Jordan being back for a couple of weeks,” Carden said.

“He’s had a bit of an op, which isn’t too serious but serious enough that he’s sore and he’s feeling it.

“It’s one you can’t rush – a bit of an internal one – so we’ll give him his time.”