Mark Beesley: FA Trophy a good opportunity for us

Warrington Town manager Mark Beesley was delighted with Saturday’s performance as the Yellows overcame South Shields 3-1 to charge into the next round of the FA Trophy.

Tom Hannigan broke the deadlock with a well-taken finish midway through the first half, before a brace from on-loan forward Connor Woods either side of the break was enough to seal victory over Kevin Phillips’ Mariners at Cantilever Park.

“I think it was a good performance,” Beesley said post-match. “I thought we played some really good stuff today, in and out of possession. We had a good shape about us at times.

“They’re a really good team and they caused us some problems, but we sorted a few things out at half-time and I thought as the game wore on, we could have got a few more goals.

Speaking ahead of today’s second round draw, Beesley is hopeful of having another opportunity to play in front of a home crowd in the cup, with the potential for a fixture against a club from the level above. 

“It’s a good opportunity for us with the way we’re playing at the moment,” he said. 

“We’re enjoying it. We want a home draw – a big game at home is what we’re in football for.”

The Yellows will now have a short period without a game as preparations turn to Saturday’s trip to Guiseley in the Northern Premier League. 

Discussing their upcoming fixtures, Beesley added: “We’ll work on one or two things in midweek and then we’ll be ready for a tough week.

“We’ve got three games, we’ve got two tough away games and then a home game in a fortnight, so we need to be ready.”