DEFEAT at Mossley completed a nightmare fortnight that has left Warrington Town only four points clear of the UniBond First Division drop zone.

Mossley were 4-0 up by half time as a double from Leon Mike plus strikes from Adam Morning and Rhodri Giggs - the younger brother of Ryan - left Town facing the prospect of a fourth defeat in 12 days.

Phil Mitchell pulled a goal back after the break, but Town now face their biggest game of the season at home to Clitheroe on Saturday, kick-off 3pm. They play away to Woodley Sports on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Warrington: Aaron Tyrer, Matty Farrell, Lee Smith, Marvin Molyneaux, Lee Webster, Paul Clarke, Dave Tickle, Steve Latham, Simon Burton, Graeme Mitchell, Phil Mitchell. Subs used: Michael Bird, Andy Tague. Not used: Paul Langley.

Warrington Town 0

AFC Telford United 5

By Colin Serjent

POOR defending and Graeme Mitchell's first-half sending off proved to be Warrington Town's downfall on Saturday as promotion contenders Telford consigned them to their heaviest defeat for two-and-a-half years.

The day had started brightly for Town as the presence of 300 Telford supporters boosted the 'gate' at Cantilever Park, and the attendance figure of 423 was the club's highest league crowd in 20 years.

Town were also able to name another new signing on the bench, with midfielder Marvin Molyneaux being introduced early in the second half after he had made the switch from Witton Albion on Thursday.

By that time Town were three goals behind and down to 10 men.

A failure to deal with corners - a problem for Warrington's rearguard throughout the campaign - was their Achilles' heel again as Duane Courtney put Telford in front in the 11th minute.

And two more flag kicks allowed the visitors to extend their lead as Jack Cudworth struck from close range and Neil Howarth converted in similar fashion just before half time.

Town suffered another blow in first-half stoppage time as striker Graeme Mitchell received a red card for swearing at an assistant referee, meaning that he will have to serve a three-match ban before the end of the season.

Defeat was confirmed in the second period as Cudworth headed in Glenn Tolley's free kick in the 52nd minute, before Roy Jordan hooked home Telford's fifth a minute from time.

Warrington: Colin Flood, Lee Smith, Danny Salt, Terry Nestor (Marvin Molyneaux 49mins), Paul Clarke, Lee Webster, Dave Tickle, Steve Latham, Simon Burton (Paul Langley 76mins), Graeme Mitchell, Phil Mitchell (Michael Bird 57mins).