Dan Atherton expecting tough FA Trophy clash with Chasetown

Goalkeeper Dan Atherton believes Warrington Town have the ability to make it all the way to Wembley in the FA Trophy, but must work hard to get there.

The Yellows progressed to the first round of the competition following a 2-0 away victory over Hebburn Town in the third qualifying round. Stefan Mols scored on debut for the club, while Jack Mackreth also netted his first goal of the season.

The road to Wembley continues this weekend, but goalkeeper Atherton knows Chasetown won’t be an easy team to beat.

“We can expect a tough game,” he said.

“All trophy and league games are tough, no matter who you play. Buxton have shown that in the FA Cup.

“They’re in our league and have beaten teams they’re not expected to beat.

“We’re aware we’re going into this game a league above them but we’re going to have to work for it. They’re on a good run and we have to be ready and we can’t underestimate the opponents.

“We can’t go in relaxed. We have to go in with a ruthless mentality and go in thinking we need to score more and keep another clean sheet.

“Fans can expect a tough, good game. They’re not going to be easy for us.”

Atherton, a target of manager Paul Carden for some time before signing ahead of the 2021/22 season, has kept 11 clean sheets in all competitions so far.

The former Liverpool stopper has been a stand-out in the team this term, and is now dreaming of walking out at Wembley.

“The FA Trophy is a chance to play at Wembley,” he said.

“This is my first experience of any FA competition. We were all disappointed in ourselves after being knocked out of the FA Cup in the way we did.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice – it hurt a lot. We’re aware we have the ability and players to go all the way in this competition.

“We must work hard and keep this unbeaten run going. Anything can happen.

“Playing at Wembley is everyone’s dream. Some lads have done it but a lot of us haven’t.

“To play there is a dream come true and something we aspire to do – it’s all down to us.”