MISSING five first team regulars Warrington travelled to higher league Nantwich Town in this Cheshire Senior Cup Quarter final and found themselves on the end of a 5-0 hiding.
Manager Paul Moore handed a debut to birthday boy Matty Pithers on the left of midfield and central defender Chris Snowden, both having progressed through from the reserve team and also gave a first start to recent signing Stuart Wellstead.
The first half started in a low key manner, with both sides testing each other out early on, with not many chances at either end. Town’s best chance fell to Billy Webb, who forced an excellent one handed save from Nantwich keeper Lee Jones, after a fantastic cross by Wellstead. Dave Tickle went close when he latched onto a long clearance but slid his effort across the face of the goal and narrowly wide.
One minute later the home side were ahead, when Whittaker was allowed a free header to head past Ritchie Mottram.
The second half started with the game based in midfield once again, but Nantwich were soon on top and Whittaker forced a good save from Mottram.
The home side were now well on top, and it was no surprise when Whittaker scored his second goal, when beating Mottram one on one.
Town’s best chance of the half fell to Wellstead whose drive went narrowly over the bar.
The game effectively ended in the 75th minute as Whittaker completed his hat trick from the penalty spot.
This seemed to demoralise Town as two more goals by substitute striker Liam Shotton gave a slightly unfair look to proceedings.
Warrington will hope to be back to full strength when Nantwich, current holders of the Cheshire Cup, visit Cantilever Park in the F.A Trophy on Saturday November 22nd, kick off 3pm.
Pictures show new signing Welstead firing wide and Dave Tickle taking on the nantwich defence.
Town: Mottram, Farrell (c), Kielty, Chris Snowden (d), Holme, Tickle (Rendell, 80), Hadland, Hunter
(Smith, 67), Welstead, Webb, Matty Pithers (Towey, 59). Subs not used Thomas, Fitzsimmons
