Atherton LR...0

Warrington Town...3

WARRINGTON closed the gap on North West Counties League second division leaders Nelson following an impressive victory at in-form Atherton on Saturday.

Only two points separates the sides, with Town having a game in hand, as the hunt for the title and the two promotion places continues.

Town's players deserve a lot of praise, not only for the attractive free flowing football they played on a sloping mud-bound pitch at Atherton, but also for the way they conducted themselves in keeping their discipline after being subjected to countless reckless challenge.

Atherton, managed by former Town boss Alan Lord, adopted a similar bad tempered and rugged approach in the earlier encounter with Warrington at Cantilever Park at the beginning of March.

The home side should have been reduced to 10 men after only five minutes when Barry Massay lunged into 'keeper Neil McCormack as he caught the ball. McCormack required a lengthy spell of treatment for a knee injury.

Atherton were again spared seeing a player shown what merited a red card in the 19th minute. Mike Heverin was scythed down in full flight by Powell inside the box, who made no attempt to play the ball.

Although the referee awarded a penalty to Town, he inexplicably did not even caution the offender. Holden took the spot kick - Heverin, the side's normal penalty taker was still recovering from the foul - but he drove it wide.

Warrington earned deserved reward with a two-goal burst inside three minutes prior to the interval.

Heverin slammed in a close-range shot and Holden redeemed himself for his penalty miss by steering in a low cross by Heverin.

Midfielder Dave Tickle netted his 12th goal of the season after 69 minutes with an angled drive.

Town visit Nelson on Saturday and then meet Bootle at Kirkby Sports Stadium on Tuesday, kick-off 6.15pm.COLIN SERJENT