As spectacular as Warrington Town’s introduction to the National League North was, it may have come at a cost.
Indeed, manager Mark Beesley admits he is “praying” an ankle injury suffered by striker Jordan Buckley during the 4-0 win at Southport is not serious enough to deal another blow to a squad already struggling with injuries.
Having come on as a late substitute, Buckley was slumped on the Haig Avenue turf getting treatment as his teammates celebrated their momentous opening day victory.
With skipper Josh Amis out for two months with a knee injury, Buckley’s importance to the squad is even more significant and Beesley is hoping for good news.
“We’re all praying for him because the lad’s had no luck,” he said.
“He’s got through a full pre-season and looks fit and sharp – he only didn’t start on Saturday because he’d been on holiday.
“My thoughts are with him because he’s had a wretched run of injury, but hopefully it’s not too bad.”
Buckley came on as a late substitute during the 4-0 win at Southport on Saturday (Image: Sean Walsh)
With midfielder Jay Harris also facing an extended period on the sidelines with a groin injury, Beesley’s small group is already starting to get stretched.
He was, however, able to add a new face in the shape of midfielder Aaron Bennett, who was in the same Preston North End youth team as former Town loanee Josh Seary before being released.
The Wales youth international, who made 19 National League appearances on loan at Altrincham last season, was an unused substitute at Southport.
“Aaron is someone we’ve had our eye on for a while, since we took Josh Seary from Preston,” Beesley said.
“He’s got great ability and hopefully he’ll fit into the squad well.”
New signing Aaron Bennett was an unused substitute at Southport (Image: Sean Walsh)
Despite their injury issues, Town flew out of the traps in their first ever Step Two campaign and this week, Cantilever Park – now known officially as the UNIS Compliance Stadium for sponsorship reasons – will get its first taste of National League football.
Blyth Spartans are the visitors for Yellows’ first home game of the season on Saturday, kick off 3pm, and Beesley is hoping a large crowd will be in attendance.
“For me, there should be loads of supporters there giving the players a rousing ovation for the first home game after promotion,” he said.
“It will be good to see a full ground as best we can.
“We’ve got unbelievably talented footballers at this club – in my opinion, it’s the best there’s ever been here given the level we’re at. Come and join us – come and watch them.
“It’s not going to be perfect every week and there’s going to be bumps in the road, but come and enjoy it with us.”
Town are also at home in midweek following the Blyth game, with Buxton the visitors on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.
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