TWO local lads are playing an increasingly important role in Warrington Town’s bid to establish themselves in the National League North.

They may be at very different stages of their footballing careers, but boss Mark Beesley hailed the contributions of the versatile Dec Walker and young midfielder Sam Gill to Saturday’s 4-0 win over Scarborough Athletic.

A right-back by trade, Penketh native Walker has been utilised extensively in central midfield this season and has been a growing influence alongside Sean Williams.

With squad depth at a premium, Beesley says players of such versatility are vitally important.

“I think Dec has been a great signing for this club – he’s a local lad and a great lad,” he said.

“He fits the ethos we have exactly – with a small squad, players like Dec are vital as they can play in a few different positions.

“We know that wherever he plays, he will give us everything he’s got.

“He probably didn’t start the season as fit as he wanted to be as he’d picked up injuries but now, he’s getting into his rhythm.

“We need him as he’s important to us.”

With Town cruising to a big win at a rain-soaked Cantilever Park, Beesley took the chance to give Gill his league debut for the club having previously been an unused substitute on several occasions either side of starts in both of Town’s Cheshire Senior Cup matches this season.

He almost capped a promising 15-minute cameo with a goal as he fired a late chance over the bar, but Beesley was happy to see the youngster promoted from the club’s under 21s side get his chance.

Warrington Guardian: Youngster Sam Gill made his league debut for Warrington Town on SaturdayYoungster Sam Gill made his league debut for Warrington Town on Saturday (Image: Sean Walsh)

However, he admitted to having somewhat of a dilemma about his use of Gill going forward, with injuries to the likes of Jay Harris and Matty McDonald meaning his involvement with the first-team squad has come much earlier than expected.

“It's brilliant for him. He’s been training with us for a few months and he’s been getting better and better,” Beesley said.

“He’s played a couple of Cheshire Cup games and in the last one in particular, I thought he was excellent.

“We want him around but at the same time, we don’t want to stop his development. At the moment, we need him and it was important we got him on the pitch.

“Sam’s a good player and he will be a good player – we’ve spoken many times about looking after the future of this club and he’s definitely that going forward into next year and beyond.

“He’s probably disappointed he didn’t score with his technique and ability, but his eyes lit up I think and it ends up over the bar.”