Mark Beesley: Lack of cutting edge cost us

Warrington Town manager Mark Beesley says improvements must be made after their 100% winning start to the new Northern Premier League season came to an end after a 1-1 draw at Belper Town. 

Sean Williams’ smart volley inside the penalty area earned the Yellows a point after Luke Mangham had given the newly-promoted hosts the lead on the half-hour mark. 

Town had chances to seal all three points at Christchurch Meadow, but they failed to convert them and missed out on the chance to go outright top of the division after the opening three rounds of matches.

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“We expected a difficult game, and fair play to them, they put us under pressure at times, without creating loads,” he said post-match. “I don’t think we had that much to defend. 

“They create an atmosphere, and we didn’t deal with it very well in the first half. I thought we were too slow. We’ve been really good at moving the ball quickly in pre-season, but I didn’t think we moved it well. 

“First half, we lost our way and scored a good goal. Our final pass, final cross, final shot was poor. 

“In the second half, I thought we were much better, much brighter. We moved the ball quicker and created spaces. It was just that final little bit that we missed.”

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The Yellows finished the match with 10 men after second half substitute Jordan Buckley was shown a straight red for an altercation with Belper defender Ben Middleton, who was also sent off. 

Discussing the incident, Beesley said: “I just thought it was a tangle of legs. He’s tried to step away, and as he’s stepped away, the linesman from 70 yards away has said he’s stamped on him. 

“I’ll watch the video back, and if there’s grounds for an appeal, we’ll appeal.”