Warrington Town manager talks up impact of new signings

Yellows had three league debutants in their starting line-up for Saturday’s trip to Rushall Olympic including newest addition Jak McCourt, who joined on a three-month loan from Ashton United on Friday.

The experienced midfielder was joined by left-back Jack Hont and forward Elliot Morris – both of whom joined from City of Liverpool earlier this month – as Town drew 1-1 at Dales Lane, with Connor Woods’ second-half penalty ending a five-match goal drought.

The result allowed them to edge further clear of the National League North relegation spots ahead of a long trip to Scarborough Athletic on Tuesday.

With Matty McDonald suspended, McCourt lined up alongside Jay Harris and Bohan Dixon in midfield and Carden was impressed by his willingness to take risks with the ball.

“Jak McCourt showed his class at times with his composure and probing passes,” he said.

“He wasn’t just sitting there and passing it sideways, which I’ve said we don’t want to do.

“There were little “round the corners” that were very clever and that’s what we need.

“Jack Hont was very steady at left-back – he tired towards the end but that was his first game in a while.

“Elliot was very good – he was very direct but he was clever with it and worked hard when we didn’t have the ball.”

Full-back Jack Hont was also making his first Town appearance at the weekend (Image: Sean Walsh) Carden insists he saw plenty of encouragement in his side’s display at Rushall after suffering the blow of falling behind on the stroke of half-time despite having the better of the first half.

However, Woods converted from the spot after his shot was handled to ensure that they at least left Dales Lane with something to show for their efforts.

“I thought we were good in the first half, so to go in one down was a kick in the spuds to be honest,” Carden said.

“We were putting good passing moves together – conditions were difficult with the wind but when we did pass and move and get the wingers in one-on-one situations, we caused them a lot of problems.

“We had a couple of really good chances – Josh (Amis) at the back post will be disappointed he hasn’t scored, Elliot (Morris) in the very first minute had a great strike that the keeper has got a bit lucky with.

“The type of goal we conceded was disappointing – we weren’t set, they take a quick corner, we don’t deal with the second phase and Benbow – as he’s done for years – has taken it with composure.

“It was always going to be a big ask with where we’ve been of late in terms of resilience, but I thought we reacted well.

“The conditions were really difficult with the rain adding to the wind but I thought we handled it really well at times.

“We had some really good opportunities to do better but our final ball at times was lacking.

“I can’t have a go at the lads – conditions were really tough when you’re trying to get out with the wind and rain in your face.

“It doesn’t matter where you are or who you’re against, a point on the road in this league is a good point.

“We wanted more and we tried to get more, but you start with a point and that’s the minimum you should go home with.”