WARRINGTON TOWN produced a commanding FA Cup performance at the GXO Stadium last night, sweeping aside Shildon 4-0 to book their place in the second qualifying round.
After being held to a 2-2 draw by the Northern League side in Saturday’s first meeting, Paul Carden’s men left nothing to chance in the replay, racing into a two-goal lead inside the opening six minutes. Josh Doherty opened the scoring after just four minutes, before Jack Goodwin doubled the advantage two minutes later.
Town continued to control proceedings and finally added a third when Goodwin headed home from Tunde Bayode’s cross in the 78th minute. There was still time for a memorable moment for homegrown youngster Reuben Denton, who put the seal on the victory with his first senior goal for the club in the 88th minute.
The result represents Warrington Town’s first victory in an FA Cup tie for four years, and sees the Yellows progress to a second qualifying round home tie against South Liverpool on Saturday, September 19.
Manager Paul Carden praised his players afterwards, saying: “I thought the lads were excellent.” He highlighted the blistering start, with Town going two goals ahead inside six or seven minutes, and said his side had carried out exactly what had been demanded of them by starting “quickly and aggressively” and taking the game to Shildon.
Carden admitted Town had allowed Shildon back into the game for a spell, but felt his players “really turned the screw” after the interval.
After Saturday’s nervy draw, this was the response Warrington Town wanted — and one which sends them into the next stage of the FA Cup with real momentum.
