Andy White: Southport can’t come soon enough

Warrington Town left-back Andy White says the squad are itching to get their debut National League North campaign underway.

The Yellows concluded pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win at Bamber Bridge on Saturday, in a repeat of last season’s Northern Premier League play-off final.

Victory at a sold-out Cantilever Park back in May saw Mark Beesley’s squad climb the divisions, and it is now just a matter of days until their 2023/24 adventure begins with a trip to neighbours Southport on Saturday 5 August (3pm kick-off).

Discussing how pre-season has unfolded, White said: “It has felt great to be back out there with the lads and working hard to make sure we’re ready to go.

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“All minds are on the opener at Southport, and August 5 can’t come quickly enough.

“Getting good results in pre-season does instil confidence to a certain extent, but I don’t read too much into friendly results.

“For me, it’s all about playing patterns, building fitness and injury prevention.”

The Yellows’ opening fixture of the new season will see them visit a Southport side that finished 18th last time around.

White, who has previously experienced success in the National Leagues during his time at Altrincham, admits Saturday’s trip to Haig Avenue will be a good indicator of where the squad are at, even at such an early stage in proceedings.

The left-back is also keen to see how a squad largely consisting of last season’s promotion-winners will fare in the league above.

“You could look at it that way and decide where you’re at as a group,” he added.

“When I last played in the division, we had a very slow start and made the play-offs, so I wouldn’t panic if we don’t get instant results whilst adjusting to the level.

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“I believe performance is more important than results, and that will take care of itself.

“Continuity is very important, especially with all the lads that made history gaining promotion and the long unbeaten run.

“From previous experiences, its key to success and I’m quietly confident that we’ll cause a few upsets this season.

“Quite a few of the lads have tasted this level before, so it’s all positive signs.”

Andy White is proudly sponsored by Jerry Liversidge (home). His away sponsorship is still available.