Avoiding defeat a key step

THIS sounds like a simple one, but yesterday’s game very much fell into the “must not lose” category.

Yellows are in a bit of a funk at the moment, so every point is a prisoner especially against their rivals.

Losing this one would have been a blow psychologically as well as in terms of the league table.

In terms of chances created, one could argue that Yellows deserved two more points than the one they were forced to settle for. Basford were certainly the happier side when the full-time whistle was blown.

They were hanging on at the end, but for them this was an important point.

Town could not really afford to lose this one and they did not, but was it an opportunity missed?

READ > Bumper crowd sees Yellows draw with Basford

Warrington Guardian:

Jack Mackreth's goal was not enough for Yellows to celebrate victory against Basford. Picture by John Hopkins

Attacking problems continue

IT is no secret that the thing weighing Warrington down at the moment is their struggles in front of goal.

Jack Mackreth may have given them the lead in this one, but it owed as much to a rush of blood to the head from Basford goalkeeper Kieran Preston as it did to any creativity.

Their play from box to box was decent enough, but too often things broke down in the final third.

When they did turn the screw in the final stages, Lady Luck simply laughed in their face as they hit the crossbar twice in the space of five seconds.

Sides are not creating much against them and that continued on Saturday, but sadly so did the high conversion rate of chances Town’s opponents are having.

Something needs to change, as they cannot continue to simply rely on their solid defence to get them through games.

While this was an improvement, there are still things that need tweaking.

READ > Paul Carden's verdict on draw with Basford

Warrington Guardian:

Dylan Vassallo and Yellows' other creative forces could not get going against Basford. Picture by John Hopkins

Amis gets his chance

PAUL Carden promised changes after last week’s defeat at Hednesford and he stayed true to his word, making five alterations to his starting line-up.

Josh Amis got his chance to lead the line and while he never really came close to scoring, there were plenty of positives about his performance.

Against a physical Basford defence, the target man competed well and gave the hosts a focal point around which to launch attacks.

He was successful in holding the ball up in order to bring the likes of Gray, Jack Mackreth and Dylan Vassallo into play.

He shrugged off the lack of protection he was getting from referee Dale Baines and put in a decent display before being substituted.

Strikers will ultimately be judged on goals, but Amis certainly contributed to an improved Yellows showing.

Warrington Guardian:

Josh Amis was full of endeavour despite some rough treatment. Picture by John Hopkins

Next three games crucial

Hyde United at home, Marine away and North Ferriby United at home.

Those are Yellows’ next three games and with the greatest of respect to the aforementioned teams, Paul Carden’s side will feel they need maximum points.

At the very least, one feels they need seven out of nine given what is to come after that.

Tricky trips to Workington and Witton lie in wait in the run-up to and during the Christmas period, while the reverse fixture against Basford now looks set to be played on December 29.

Rolling into that period on a good run of form will be key for Town and if nothing else, it will give their confidence a much-needed boost.

Warrington Guardian:

Robbie Evans and his Warrington teammates are next in action against Hyde United on Saturday. Picture by John Hopkins

Bumper crowd a good start

THE offer of a free entry voucher in this week’s Warrington Guardian brought about a big hike in attendance at Cantilever Park.

638 people watched Saturday’s game – comfortably their highest league gate of the season so far – and the atmosphere, particularly in the second half, was fantastic.

While there have been better games to have watched this campaign, there was plenty to keep the crowd entertained.

Now, focus turns into enticing the people who came down yesterday to come back again. And again. And again.

Having another home game next week is a big bonus and a chance for Yellows to make sure today’s gate is matched – and even beaten – on a consistent basis.

Warrington Guardian:

Yellows and Basford were watched by Cantilever Park's biggest league crowd of the season on Saturday. Picture by John Hopkins