Preview: Warrington Town vs Bamber Bridge

Warrington Town embark on their 2025/26 FA Cup campaign this Saturday by hosting Bamber Bridge at the Cal.Delivery Stadium.

The Yellows will be hoping that a change in competitions can bring about a change in fortunes after a difficult start to their Northern Premier League season.

Warrington Town last met Bamber Bridge in the 2022/23 Northern Premier League play-off final, when Isaac Buckley Ricketts' late strike sent the Yellows to the National League North in a 1-0 win over the Brig at a sold-out Cantilever Park.

Below, we've compiled everything you need to know ahead of the fixture.

Team news

New signing Josh Vela is a welcome addition to Paul Carden's side, and the former Bolton Wanderers and Carlisle United midfielder will go straight into contention to make his debut for the Yellows tomorrow.

Striker Kallan Murphy will not feature this weekend after coming off in the early stages of the defeat to Leek Town on bank holiday Monday with an ankle injury.

Likewise, Matty Waters and Matthew Tweedley were also forced off and are doubtful for Saturday's FA Cup clash.

James Melhado and Enock Lusiama did not feature in Monday's trip to Staffordshire through injury, but tomorrow's game may come too soon for their return to the squad.

Paul Carden preview

Warrington Town manager Paul Carden believes that while injuries are clearly impacting his team, they must shape up defensively if they are to remain competitive.

The Yellows' injury woes continued following their 3-1 defeat to Leek Town on Monday, with Kallan Murphy, Matty Waters and Matthew Tweedley being forced off.

They will be bolstered by the arrival of the vastly experienced former Premier League and Football League midfielder Josh Vela, who signed for the club on Thursday.

With nine goals conceded in the opening five games, Carden warns that his side needs to address their vulnerabilities at the back ahead of their FA Cup first qualifying round clash against Bamber Bridge.

"From the win against Ilkeston Town last week, we ended up with three of the lads who started not being able to play against Leek Town for various reasons," Carden said.

"You've got to go with what you've got, and against Leek we fielded a team which, in spells, created a little bit, but in other spells looked weak and flimsy.

"That's probably a telling aspect of losing as many of the players that we brought in to play this season.

"Saying that, it's no excuse for Monday's performance.

"We've got to be much better, and it showed the lack of depth we have in the squad. It's something we need to address

"A real concern at the moment is the goals we're conceding. Whenever I've been able to build a side, we've always been tough to beat.

"We look susceptible on the counter-attack because of that lack of defensive strength, and it's something we need to address quickly ahead of the weekend."

Read the full interview with Paul Carden in tomorrow's matchday programme, available for just £3 when you enter the Cal.Delivery Stadium.

Match information

Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup clash at the Cal.Delivery Stadium kicks off at 3:00pm.

PLEASE NOTE: Season tickets are not valid for this fixture and tickets must be bought separately, either online or at the turnstiles on matchday.

Online ticket prices –

• Adults: £13
• Concessions: £9
• Under 16s: £3

*There is a £1 booking fee per transaction.

Turnstile admission prices –

• Adults: £15
• Concessions: £10
• Under 16s: £3

For supporters who cannot attend, live audio coverage will be available on Yellows Radio.