‘It was a shock’ – Woods ready for opening-day Southport reunion

Warrington Town forward Connor Woods admits he is counting down the days until he comes up against former club Southport on the opening weekend of the National League North season.

The Yellows begin their debut season in the division with a trip to their near neighbours on Saturday 5 August (3pm kick-off).

Woods first joined the Yellows on loan from Southport in October last year, scoring six goals in 12 appearances before returning to his parent club.

A permanent move to Town followed in March, with the 25-year-old returning to Cantilever Park for an undisclosed fee.

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The opening fixture of the new season means it won’t be long until Woods is reacquainted with his former employers.

“It was a shock to be honest,” Woods said. “I did speak about it to a few of the lads, saying ‘imagine if we got Southport’.

“Obviously you don’t think it will actually happen. It has just made me that bit more excited to get going, and I can’t wait for the game!

“I’m looking forward to this season as a whole too. Looking at the squad, we have a bit of everything, experience and young, hungry players.

“We are definitely not just looking to just survive in this league. We all want to kick on again. There will be a lot of teams surprised by us, 100%.”

Town are already five games into their pre-season schedule, with game number six seeing them face Nantwich Town at Whitchurch Alport’s KMJ Mortgages Stadium on Tuesday night. 

PREVIEW: 2023/24 National League North

As preparations continue for the 2023/24 campaign, Woods expressed the squad’s eagerness to get back to competitive action, and admits competition is higher than ever following versatile forward Matty Grivosti’s return to the club. 

“The feeling was unreal,” Woods said on last season’s promotion. “Especially because I’ve never been involved in anything like that before, given how big the final was.”

“Everyone can’t wait to get going with the new challenge ahead.

“Matty [Grivosti] is another top player added to the squad. We have very good options as it is, so it will keep that competition very high and raise the standards from everyone to keep their place in the starting 11.”