WARRINGTON Town got back on track with a convincing 2-0 victory at Cammell Laird in the President’s Cup last night.
Despite missing regular shot stopper Richie Mottram through injury and Skipper Mike Thompson through suspension, Town proved too strong for their former Unibond Premier opposition.
They were helped by debutant keeper Zac Jones who pulled off several fine saves to ensure Town are in the enxt round of the competition.
Looking to put their poor defeat to AFC Fylde behind them the game started slowly, with neither side creating many chances early on, with the best chance falling to Lairds prolific striker Ronnie Morgan, who saw his powerful header tipped over the bar by Jones. Much of the first half was played in the middle third of the field, as defences were definitely on top. Jimmy McCarthy came closest for Town, but his header was saved by Lairds stopper Kieran Burnett.
The second half saw the game explode into life. Within a minute of the restart, Jones was called into action to deny striker Nicky Young at his near post. Less than a minute later Town had the ball in the net but the goal was ruled out for offside, despite McCarthy’s initial shot striking a defender before Tony Evans headed home.
However Town were not to be denied for long and went ahead just over a minute later, Chris Gahgan picking the ball up outside the penalty area and producing a curling dipping effort to beat Burnett and find the top corner. Town now took control of the game, but Jones still had to be on his mettle to deny Lairds with a fantastic low save from a powerful Morgan free kick.
Town wrapped the game up in the 70th minute, when Evans (pictured right) was allowed the freedom of Kirklands, to beat Burnett when through on goal. Lairds stepped up their game to try and get back into it, but were denied once again by Jones, with another good low save at his near post. Try as they might, Lairds could not find their way through a resolute Town defence and Town secured their place in the 3rd round of the Unibond Presidents Cup.
Now Warrington will prepare for Saturday’s trip to Unibond Premier outfit Whitby Town in the 2nd qualifying Round of the F.A Trophy.
Pictures show match winners (top) Chris Gahgan, Zak Jones and Tony Evans and above Karl Connolly showing his sea lion skills!
Town: Zac Jones (d), Dacey, McLennon, Hardwick, Grogan, Taylor (c) (Smith, 80), Hadland, Connolly (Kinsey, 79), Evans (Smeaton, 90,) McCarthy, Gahgan, Sub not used: Brown
