Tom Hannigan: We need to take care of our own business

Warrington Town’s squad cannot afford to get ahead of themselves as the club looks to continue its recent run of form, according to defender Tom Hannigan. 

Tuesday night’s 2-0 victory over Lancaster City stretched the Yellows’ unbeaten run to 11 matches.

That result also lifted them up to third in the Northern Premier League table.

While admitting confidence is building as the squad continues to further generate momentum, Hannigan insists the squad cannot afford to lose sight of the bigger picture. 

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“The changing room is the place to be after three points,” the centre-back said. 

“The spirits are high when lads enjoy the win and performance. But after that, we all know the focus needs to be on the next game as they come thick and fast. 

“It’s been spoken about, us having a small squad, but with that comes togetherness. It also means everyone is getting minutes, there’s no passengers and everyone trusts each other on the pitch. 

“As ever, we can only take care of our results and then see what other teams do. 

“We’re in a good position but it’s still tight in and around the play-offs. Football has a funny way of biting back if you think you’re doing well, so we’ve got to ensure we do everything right to keep this momentum up.”

Hannigan was on the scoresheet for the second game in a row in midweek, taking his tally for the season to five goals in all competitions. 

In both of those matches, the Yellows have gone on to take maximum points. 

Discussing his recent form in front of goal, the 34-year-old said: “The goals are a bonus really. They get you a bit of spotlight, but as long as we’re winning and playing well then I’m happy. 

“I saw Willo [Sean Williams] had time on the ball and knew he was going to put a decent cross in, so I just made a run across the defender and luckily got decent contact on it. 

“Even as a centre half, goals give you confidence in the opposition box and I feel I’min the game from set-pieces.”

For Mark Beesley’s side, attention quickly turns to next weekend as they prepare to visit in-form Matlock Town. 

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The Gladiators have picked up 13 points from a possible 21 since the arrival of new boss Martin Carruthers in mid-December, leaving them two points adrift of the play-offs ahead of Saturday’s fixture. 

“Matlock are one of the bigger teams in the division and it will be a tough test,” Hannigan said.

“We’re missing Jay Harris through suspension, but that gives Matty McDonald a chance to come in as he’s been waiting patiently to get back in the team and show us all what he can do. 

“We know they’re forward threats that we need to deal with, and hopefully we can impose our game on them.”