WARRINGTON Town’s injury situation is not expected to improve in time for their trip to Banbury United tomorrow.

However, there could be some light at the end of the tunnel for one of the key men currently on the sidelines for Mark Beesley’s men.

Striker Josh Amis – the team’s captain and last season’s 12-goal leading scorer – is nearing a return from the knee injury that has prevented him from featuring this season.

Amis sustained the injury during a pre-season friendly against Morecambe but took part in the team’s warm-up prior to Tuesday’s 3-3 draw against Spennymoor Town.

Beesley says the big frontman should be back in full training next week, with a view to potentially featuring in the FA Cup second qualifying round clash with Curzon Ashton on September 16.

Warrington Guardian: Josh Amis took part in the Town warm-up prior to Tuesday's game against Spennymoor Town as he nears a return from injuryJosh Amis took part in the Town warm-up prior to Tuesday's game against Spennymoor Town as he nears a return from injury (Image: Sean Walsh)

However, the Town boss says defender Evan Gumbs (hernia), midfielders Matty McDonald (knee) and Jay Harris (groin) and striker Jordan Buckley (calf) are all longer-term prospects.

“We’re hoping Mossy (Amis) will be able to start training next week,” he said.

“We’ve had a bit of bad news on Matty McDonald – he’s going to be a further three to four weeks.

“Jordan Buckley will be another two weeks and we know Jay Harris is slightly longer-term – we’re looking at another six weeks there.

“With Evan Gumbs, we don’t really know about him at the moment.”

One man who has come into the side of late is goalkeeper Dan Atherton, who replaced regular number one Tony Thompson between the sticks at Brackley Town on Saturday.

He produced a solid performance in a losing effort that day and made several superb saves during the midweek draw, and Beesley was delighted to see him seize his opportunity having returned to the club from Hyde United in the summer.

“Dan has that quality and that’s why we signed him,” he said.

“We always said we wanted two quality goalkeepers and we’ve got that now.

“He’s deserved his chance and he’s taken it.”

Warrington Guardian: Dan Atherton has produced two impressive displays since replacing regular number one Tony ThompsonDan Atherton has produced two impressive displays since replacing regular number one Tony Thompson (Image: Karl Vallantine)