Craig Robinson reflects on Warrington Town highlights, including FA Cup heroics

As the 2024/25 season rapidly approaches, so does Warrington Town’s diamond anniversary, with many Yellows fans reflecting on the successes of the last 75 years.

To most, Craig Robinson scored the most famous goal in Warrington Town history, netting in the 1-0 triumph over then League Two side Exeter City, at a raucous and sold-out Cantilever Park, in the FA Cup first round back in 2014.

The defender scored five goals in 102 Warrington Town appearances, and describes the glancing header that sent Town into the second round as a moment he’ll never forget.

“It was an unbelievable experience and probably the highlight of my career,” he said.

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“It was one of those games where we had our backs against the wall. As a centre half, I enjoyed every minute of it.

“I do get a bit of stick because the goal was a bit of a fluke, but it did go down as my goal! It was a great FA Cup run and an experience that we will never forget.

“It was a great night for the whole football club. It doesn’t feel like it was 10 years ago – I still can’t believe how long ago it was!”

Alongside the memorable FA Cup run during the 2014/15 season, Robinson was also part of the Yellows side that won promotion to the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division the following year.

He credits the team camaraderie throughout his four seasons at Cantilever Park, believing that the closeness of the team spurred them through the highs and lows of semi-professional football.

“We had a great squad, great characters and great togetherness,” he said.

“Winning the league was the pinnacle of that. Obviously we had the FA Cup runs, but it was more the friendliness of the group when it came to memories.

“I don’t miss the physical side of the game as much, but the social side was a really good highlight here and was a big part of us being successful.”

Robinson retired from playing shortly after departing the club in 2016. He returned as a coach briefly under Paul Carden but has since stepped away from the sport, last managing City of Liverpool.

Now he dedicates more time to his family and helps his brother Karl out with scouting for his managerial role at League Two side Salford City.

Nevertheless, when it comes to returning to football, Robinson holds a “never say never” mindset.

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Upon his return to Cantilever Park, as part of the Yellows’ 2024/25 kit launch, Robinson was full of praise for how much the club has continued to grow in the eight years since he left, after being part of the side that helped put Warrington Town on the footballing map.

He added: “It’s unbelievable [coming back and seeing the progress]. It’s a credit to Toby Macormac and others behind the scenes and obviously Mark Beesley too.

“I’ve been trying my best to get up here and watch whenever I can. It’s been difficult with work, but that’s something I want to do more of this year.

“The club’s moved on brilliantly. You just need to look at the attendances now, and it’s a credit to those managing the football club.”

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