Warrington Town manager on Matlock Town play-off clash

For the fourth completed season in a row, Town have put themselves in contention for promotion by finishing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division’s top five.

A second-place finish – their highest ever league position – has secured home advantage for the semi-finals, where they will face Matlock Town.

Beesley’s men finished nine points ahead of their opponents in the final league table and are unbeaten in both league meetings with them this season, but the manager is wary of the threats they pose after storming into the play-offs by winning five of their last six games.

Town ran out 3-1 victors when play-off opponents Matlock last visited Cantilever Park back in October (Image: Sean Walsh)

However, he is focused more on ensuring his side continue on the track that has seen them lose just once since November.

“First and foremost, we have to be ready for the game and the occasion,” he said.

“It will be a big crowd and Saturday was a bit of a dress rehearsal for that if you like.

“We’ve got to be on our mettle but I’d say we just need to play the game and not the occasion.

“Nothing changes from our point of view – it’s just another game and luckily, we’re at home.

“We’ve just got to keep doing what we’ve been doing.

“As a group of players, I think we’ve been outstanding all season and the message will be the same as it’s been throughout – carry on.

“They’ve gone on a good run but at this stage, it will be a tough game whoever we play. These teams have finished in the top five for a reason.

“It’s up to us to be ready for whoever we play – we knew that anyway but now we’ll prepare for Matlock and be ready for Tuesday night.”

Another huge crowd is expected at Cantilever Park on Tuesday after more than 1,400 watched them beat Hyde United 3-1 in Saturday’s final regular-season game.

Josh Amis celebrates with supporters after scoring against Hyde on Saturday (Image: Sean Walsh)

The match is an all-ticket affair, with tickets on general sale now

Saturday’s bumper gate allowed Town to finish the season with an average home attendance of 774 – the fourth-highest in the division – and Beesley was keen to pay tribute to his side’s rapidly growing support base

“The support has been outstanding this year. I believe the home gates have gone up by around 35 per cent, which is testament to the players and the club but also the fans,” he said.

“They’re coming down and really enjoying it, you can see families and younger people coming.

“From me and the players, I want to thank the supporters for this season because they’ve been outstanding home and away.

“It doesn’t go unnoticed and whatever happens, I’m sure they’ve enjoyed the season.”