Squires Gate...2

Warrington Town FC...0

WARRINGTON always faced an uphill task at North West Counties League second division promotion contenders Squires Gate on Saturday.

After being forced to field a weakened team, due to injuries to Dave Tickle, Neil Holden, Gary Trewitt and Ian Hughes sustained during their defeat against Curzon Ashton four days earlier, Town trailed 2-0 within the opening 12 minutes.

The home team took full advantage of the only two chances they directed on target throughout the match.

A 15-yard drive by Alex Rawson and a close range shot by Steve Longworth, with Warrington's defence leaving gaping holes at the back, led to their first defeat in seven league games.

In difficult conditions - a very heavy pitch allied with a swirling wind hampering the play - the rest of the encounter produced little attacking initiative by either side.

Warrington were restricted to two scoring opportunities.

Gate 'keeper Mark Brooks comfortably smothered a long range effort by Joey Fenton, drafted in from the reserves, before Mike Heveron fired an angled drive into the side netting.

A dull affair ended on a fiery note. Warrington substitute Neil Marsh was sent off in stoppage time for kicking Gate substitute Paul Thompson, who was also shown a red card after punching the Town midfielder in retaliation.

Warrington: McCormack, Blair, Cartledge, Tague, Harris, Hives, (Preidt 67mins), Pick (Moore 82), Fenton, Heveron, Bushell (Marsh 76), Morgan.

In a hectic schedule Warrington face three games inside seven days, including two league visits within less than 48 hours.

They visit Colne tonight, Thursday and travel to Formby on Saturday, kick-off 2pm. Nelson are their hosts next Wednesday in the first round of the Second Division Trophy.

COLIN SERJENT