WARRINGTON Town’s pre-season took a big step forward this afternoon as they beat higher-ranked opposition at Cantilever Park.

Former Town boss Paul Carden brought his AFC Telford United side to his old stomping ground and watched on as Yellows ran out 3-1 victors.

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Former Yellows boss Paul Carden was back on the Cantilever Park touchline with AFC Telford United. Picture by Lewis Tate

All four goals came inside a frantic first quarter, with Mark Beesley’s Town side surging into a 2-0 lead inside eight minutes.

Mitch Duggan seized upon some hesitation from Telford’s ex-Town goalkeeper Luke Pilling, pinching the ball off him and rolling the opener into an empty net.

Two minutes later, the lead was doubled when Isaac Buckley-Ricketts slid the ball through for Mikey Howard, who clattered an impressive finish into the far corner.

Telford found a response when Tom Hannigan’s wayward pass was picked off by Nathan Blissett, who strode through and finished beyond Tony Thompson in the Town goal.

However, the once-again-lively Buckley-Ricketts went from provider to scorer as he glanced a header into the corner from Sean Williams’ cross.

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Isaac Buckley-Ricketts' header drops into the far corner. Picture by Lewis Tate

The tempo inevitably dropped in the second half but Beesley was able to reflect upon a promising afternoon’s work for his side.

“In midweek, I said we needed to be more ruthless and in the first half, we took our chances and looked a threat,” he said.

“The first one is a goalkeeping error but we were ruthless in front of goal with Mikey (Howard) and Isaac (Buckley-Ricketts).

“They deserved it for the way they’ve been playing. We’ve worked on little bits and pieces with them and it came out today.

“We can’t get carried away. It’s still pre-season – we’ve still got a bit to go and to work on, but it’s good to see the lads looking fit.

“We’ve worked on things in terms of our passing and movement and at times, we’re going to give the ball away but we believe that if we keep doing it, the rewards will outweigh the risks.”

Town make the short trip across Cheshire to 1874 Northwich for their next game on Tuesday evening.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

Pictures by Lewis Tate