Mark Beesley admits Blyth defeat a ‘reality check’

Warrington Town manager Mark Beesley gave an honest assessment following his side’s 2-0 defeat at home to Blyth Spartans.

The Yellows endured a difficult afternoon in their first National League North fixture at the UNIS Compliance Stadium after goals from JJ O’Donnell and JJ Hooper helped the 10-man Spartans to their second successive win of the season.

Injury blows to Matty McDonald and Andy White, combined with a penalty miss and sending off for midfielder Bohan Dixon only exacerbated Town’s misfortunes on Saturday.

Speaking post-match, Beesley admits it was a sobering experience for his team but absolves his players of any blame given the circumstances they find themselves in.

BUY: Tickets for Buxton clash at home

“We created some really good chances in the second half,” he said.

“Even at the end of the first half, we’ve missed a penalty and gone round the keeper and missed, but it’s a reality check.

“It’s one of those days where it just wasn’t happening for us no matter what we did.

“We’ve picked up a load more injuries in an already threadbare squad, so I don’t know where we turn at the moment.

“I can’t fault the players as I’m asking them to play when they’re not fit or asking them to play out of position. We’ve got no players – it’s as simple as that.

SHOP NOW: Yellows merchandise

“We’ve lost one this week, we lost another at 1.30 today and now another through suspension for three games. We really are down to our bare bones.”

Beesley also warned that his team need to take their chances, especially in a league with ruthless opposition.

“If we score the penalty, we maybe go and get something out of the game but they managed to score against us with 10 men.

“We’re in a league now that’s unforgiving, teams don’t miss them chances.

“We kept going in the second half and created chances, but you’ve got to have that composure to score.”

Buy your ticket for Tuesday’s home fixture against Buxton!