Mikey O’Neill previews South Shields test

Warrington Town midfielder Mikey O’Neill has praised the team's effort to come from two goals down at Darlington, and admits they could’ve taken all three points.

A second-half comeback for Paul Carden’s side ensured the points were shared at Blackwell Meadows, a ground that Darlington have only lost at once all season.

Despite this, O’Neill feels that a win was definitely attainable, given the nature of their performance after half-time and the chances they had following the equaliser.

“After the first half, you would’ve taken a point at 2-0 down,” he said. 

“But then looking at how the second half panned out, I think we were unlucky not to go on and win it.

“Nevertheless, a point is a point, and it was a good one given their form in the end.”

Saturday’s draw saw the Yellows battle back from a losing position to pick up points for the third time since manager Carden’s return to the club.

O’Neill was a key part of the comeback at Darlington, providing an assist for Josh Amis’ equaliser, and was rightfully the subject of praise from the Warrington Town boss, who hailed his performance post-match as being of “a different class”.

Even though O’Neill has started just one of the five games since Carden’s return to the dugout, he is enjoying playing under the new manager and is keen to cement a place in his thoughts moving forward.

“Cards said to just go on and show what I can do, help change the game and show why I should be playing,” he said of the message given to him at half-time on Saturday.

“I feel he recognises the talent I have, and I appreciate the comments after the match as it fills me with more confidence.

“I am determined to be in a position where I am starting games and doing what I need to do for the team, and that is working hard.”

Read more from Mikey O'Neill in this weekend's matchday programme, which will be available to purchase for just £3 as you enter the Cal.Delivery Stadium.