Mark Beesley pleased with derby day win

Warrington Town manager Mark Beesley says his side were “worthy winners” after coming from behind to defeat near neighbours Rylands 2-1 on Saturday. 

Despite trailing to AJ Leitch-Smith’s early opener, a double from Jordan Buckley after half-time turned the game on its head. 

Roared on by a sizeable Yellows following, Beesley’s side were then able to navigate a potential troublesome final quarter to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches. 

Speaking post-match, Beesley said: “We weren’t at our best in the first half. We changed the system a little bit and it didn’t really work.

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“We looked like we’d had a tough game on Tuesday in the first half, but that’s a bit of a mindset thing.

“They were the better team in the first half, and although we had a great chance to equalise, being 1-0 down was probably right at that point.

“We wrestled control back, and from then on we were worthy winners.”

The fixture at Gorsey Lane saw Buckley scored his first goals for the club since returning from a long-term ankle injury sustained back in August. 

His first was an emphatic finish beyond former Yellows keeper Luke Pilling, and the second came 11 minutes later as he headed home at the back post.

 “We all know how good Jordan Buckley is,” Beesley said. “The poor lad has had a wretched run of injuries. He’s played twice at the end of last year, and twice in 2023. 

“We know we have to be patient with him, and we’ve got to dip him in and out a little bit. It was a heavy pitch and he played 75 minutes plus. 

“It’s all about finding the right time to dip him in and out so we have a fit Jordan Buckley for the remainder of the season.”

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Beesley admits he was pleased with how his side repelled the hosts in the closing stages to climb up to fourth in the Northern Premier League table, six points behind league leaders South Shields. 

“These are a good team. Hyde are a good team. So to get four points out of this week is really good. 

“The conditions were tough, and you’ve got to give credit to both sets of players for putting on a bit of a show for everyone who turned up. 

“They put us under pressure without creating too much, so we’re pleased with that.”