WARRINGTON TOWN suffered a heavy setback at Broadhurst Park on Saturday with their first defeat on the road, as FC United of Manchester ran out 4-1 winners against the Yellows.
Paul Carden’s side travelled to Manchester looking to build on their impressive midweek FA Cup victory over Shildon, but instead endured a frustrating afternoon as former Warrington boss Mark Beesley’s FC United side produced a performance that left the visitors chasing the game for long spells.
It was a particularly painful afternoon given the connections between the two clubs, with Beesley now in the FC United dugout and a number of former Warrington players also lining up for the Manchester club.
The Yellows had started the season strongly and had been among the early pace-setters in the Northern Premier League, but yesterday’s performance was a sharp reminder of how quickly momentum can disappear at this level.
FC United struck first on 40 minutes as Le Fondre stabbed home Buckley’s cross at the second attempt and Warrington went into the break trailing by a single goal.
But rather than producing the response Carden would have wanted after the interval, Town found themselves under increasing pressure as the hosts took control and added three more goals.
On 49 minutes Grivosti cut in from the right and his shot went in via a deflection extending United’s lead.
But within two minutes Town struck back as Daly’s free kick was parried by Atherton and Edwards netted the rebound!
On 66 minutes Grewal beats the Town offside trap and slammed in a shot at the near post to make it 3-1 and it was game over on 81 minutes when Watson finished off a sharp counter-attack to make it 4-1.
The defeat will be particularly disappointing after Tuesday’s 4-0 FA Cup success against Shildon had appeared to put the Yellows back on track following the recent draw at Shildon.
For FC United, however, it was a memorable afternoon and a huge boost for Beesley, who was facing his former club in a competitive fixture for the first time.
There had been plenty of pre-match focus on the reunion, with Beesley having enjoyed a highly successful spell at Warrington Town before taking charge at FC United. He helped guide the Yellows to promotion and a number of memorable campaigns during his time at the club.
But sentiment was firmly put to one side once the whistle went.
The Yellows must now regroup quickly, with the heavy defeat providing Carden and his players with plenty to reflect on before their next league assignment.
After the high of the FA Cup in midweek, this was a reality check for Warrington Town — and one they will be determined to put right.
We fall to our first away defeat of the season
Thanks to all of our travelling fans 👏 pic.twitter.com/v2nW46ftmT
— Warrington Town FC (@theyellows) September 12, 2026
