MARK Beesley says observers are right to label January as a critical month for Warrington Town’s promotion chances.
However, he insists he is only looking as far ahead as their next game – a trip to in-form FC United of Manchester on Saturday, kick off 3pm.
All of Town’s league fixtures this month are against teams in and around them in the Northern Premier League Premier Division table.
Having started 2022 in fine style by thrashing third-place Bamber Bridge on New Year’s Day, Beesley takes his fifth-placed Yellows to face a Red Rebels side two places behind them.
Evan Gumbs celebrates scoring in Warrington Town's 4-1 win over Bamber Bridge on New Year's Day. Picture by Jonathan Moore
Games against fellow promotion hopefuls Buxton, South Shields and Whitby Town follow, but the manager’s focus is squarely on the trip to Broadhurst Park.
Town are aiming to complete a league double over FC United having won 2-0 on home soil on the opening day of the season.
“People will look at who we’re playing this month and rightly so because they’re the teams around us, but we’ve just got to look at each game as it comes,” he said.
“We’ve got to be ready – we’ve got a big month ahead but February’s a big month, March is a big month and so on.
“Without wanting to sound boring and cliché, we just need to look at the next game.
“We’ve played Witton and Bamber Bridge and have won both, but it’s important we’re ready for what’s ahead.
“I keep saying this but it doesn’t matter who you’re playing in this league, the games are tough.”
Beesley has no fresh injury concerns for the game but has expressed a desire to add to his squad in the coming weeks.
Left-back is said to be an area of priority for recruitment, with Matt Regan and Mitch Duggan having played out of position of late to deputise for first-choice Eddie Clarke, who is still several weeks away from a return to action.
Yellows are said to be looking for a left-back to cover the absence of Eddie Clarke, who is still several weeks away from returning from a groin injury. Picture by Mike Boden
Centre-half Mo Ali and forward Dom Reid are also long-term absentees and midfielder Matty McDonald remains out on loan at Bootle.
But while he is keen to bring players in, Beesley insists they have to be the right fit.
"We’re keeping our eye out," he said.
"We’ve got a squad of 16 at the moment, with two long-term injuries and Matty McDonald out on loan.
"I think we’re a little bit short. We’re having a look around to see what’s available but I don’t want to just bring a body in for the sake of it.
"They have to be the right person of the right quality to join the group we have.
"We’ve got a good squad, everyone’s fighting for places and once everyone is fit, it’s hard to pick a team. That’s the way we want it."
Saturday’s clash is a meeting between two of the division’s in-form teams, with FC United and Yellows second and fourth in the form table respectively.
Jordan Buckley celebrates scoring for Yellows in their 2-0 win over Saturday's opponents FC United of Manchester at Cantilever Park on the opening day of the season. Picture by Mike Boden
Town have lost just one of their past 13 league games and are part of a tightly bunched top five – they trail leaders Matlock Town by just three points, albeit having played two games more.
After a difficult start to the season, a five-match unbeaten run has helped FC gain ground in the chase for a play-off spot but they are still seven points adrift of the all-important top five.
Kick off on Saturday is at 3pm.
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