Tom Hannigan: FA Trophy a chance to right some wrongs

Warrington Town centre-back Tom Hannigan admits the squad will embrace Saturday’s FA Trophy clash with Blyth Spartans and see it as a chance to avenge their National League North defeat back in August.

Spartans spoiled the Yellows’ debut home outing in the division, winning 2-0 at the UNIS Compliance Stadium after goals in either half from JJ O’Donnell and JJ Hooper.

Hannigan started that defeat, and he says the group will look to use their upcoming rematch as a chance to demonstrate how much they’ve adapted to the new level of football they find themselves playing in.

“It naturally gives us an incentive to right the wrongs of the league defeat,” he said.

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“I believe they played us at the right time, as I seem to remember that was when Luke Duffy signed for Macclesfield and Matty McDonald pulled out in the warm-up, so we weren’t accustomed to how we were lining up.

“That’s not to say they’re not a good team. They like to play a passing style of football with good technical players, so it should be a good game.

“We need to make our home a place where no-one wants to come and visit, and have that belief from the first minute, rather than giving teams a leg up like we’ve done a few times already this season.”

Saturday also sees the Yellows start their latest FA Trophy campaign, with teams from National League level and below in with a chance of making it to Wembley.

Whilst admitting their record in cup competitions has made for disappointing reading since his arrival in WA4, Hannigan is eager to see their fortunes change outside of the league.

“It is treated slightly differently to the bread and butter of the league. Normally a few changes are made to freshen it up, so hopefully we can continue the momentum we’ve got, get into the next round and make the club a couple of quid,” the 35-year-old added.

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“In the first couple of rounds, you don’t really take any notice of the draw. If you get to the Round of 32, that’s when you hope for a kind draw or start looking at who’s left in it and then seeing where it takes us.

“We’ve been knocked out of cup competitions fairly early while I’ve been here, so I’m eager to change that.”

You can read more from Tom Hannigan in Saturday’s matchday programme, which will be available to purchase for just £2 at Cantilever Park.

Tom Hannigan is proudly sponsored by Tom, Nick & Lewis (home). His away sponsorship is still available.

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