Preview: Lancaster City v Warrington Town

It’s a play-off clash this weekend in the BetVictor Northern Premier Division, as the Yellows travel to fourth-placed Lancaster City.

Here’s the latest preview…

FORM GUIDE

Warrington Town currently sit fifth in the table, and are unbeaten in the last seven in all competitions.

Previously, Bohan Dixon came off the bench to score a late winner as Warrington Town beat Whitby Town 2-1.

It looked like the Yellows were heading for a draw at Cantilever Park, but a stunning late goal from Dixon secured the three points to remain in the play-offs.

The club also confirmed today that Ben Garrity has joined League 1 side Blackpool FC for an undisclosed fee.

Lancaster City are just one place above the Yellows by two points, and will be looking to bounce back from their two consecutive losses against table toppers South Shields and Ashton United respectively.

HEAD TO HEAD

The sides last met early October, with a 2-2 result at Cantilever Park.

David Raven opened the scoring early in the game, before Paul Dawson’s free kick had levelled things up not long after.

The Yellows again took the lead through Ben Garrity for a 2-1 score, but conceded a late equaliser from Robert Wilson two minutes from normal time.

MANAGER’S COMMENTS

On the departing Ben Garrity, manager Paul Carden said: “He deserves his chance and he has earned it.

“If anyone gives him an opportunity, he’s the type of lad to grasp it with both hands. Not only is he dedicated, he is likeable and good character to have and he’ll be a fresh of breath air for them. I know that.

“I know his ability too, so people who might be thinking he’s not an inspiring signing because he’s come from non-league, if you look back over Blackpool’s history, some of their best players have come from non-league. I certainly know that they won’t be disappointed as soon as they see him play. He’ll give everything for the shirt, the fans and the manager and he’ll have the ability to back up his work rate, which is why he stood out for us this season on so many occasions.

“He wants to improve every day, he doesn’t waste his days or training. He always looks to get something out of it.

“That’s a big attribute and character to have in a footballer. He won’t look back on his career wherever he ends up and think I never gave it everything, because he always does.”

Carden continued, discussing Brett Ormerod, who became a Blackpool favourite after starting his career in non-league with Accrington Stanley.

“Brett came from non-league, I was at the club hen he signed and he went on to play in the Premier League and what a career he had.”

Previewing the weekend’s game, Carden said: “It’s going to be a tough game. they’re having a great season. It’s a good group of lads and they seem to have a good togetherness.

“The manager has had illness this season and has been dipping in and out, and we wish him well.

“We know how tough the game, is, they’ve surprised people this season but I always say you should never be surprised by any team, there are good players throughout the league and if team can get good cohesion and a good togetherness and a good bit of momentum, there’s no reason why any team in this league can’t be successful.

“We’ve got to make sure we maintain our composure, because losing Ben is a big hit. Players now need to stand up and grasp their opportunity and fill a void, because there’s more than enough capable players to do that and we’ve got to be on it tomorrow.”

On the departing Jack Dunn, who has joined Southport on a month’s loan, Carden said: “He hasn’t played as much football as any of us would have liked.

“People will be thinking, why couldn’t he have played this game with us, but he’s been a bit low and I think maybe a fresh challenge for him for a month will get is mojo back if you like.

“We will have him back with us for the last couple of months, ready to go and rearing to go and challenging himself in the league above and hopefully giving him a taste of what’s to come next season by coming back to us and driving us there.”

NEXT UP AT CANTILEVER PARK

Warrington Town return to Cantilever Park on Tuesday, February 4, against 1874 Northwich in the Cheshire Senior Cup quarter-finals.

Kick off is 7:45pm, and ticket prices have been confirmed.

Adults – £8

Concessions – £5

Juniors – £1