AS well as jumping back into the play-off spots, Warrington Town would be extending an impressive record with victory this afternoon.

Recent history has favoured them against visitors Whitby Town, who are making the long trip from the Yorkshire Coast to Cantilever Park today.

Under the management of Paul Carden, Yellows are yet to lose to the Seasiders – the eight meetings between the two in that time have resulted in six Warrington wins and two draws.

Indeed, all of the past four meetings between the two at Cantilever Park have ended in home wins, with Whitby’s last win in these parts coming back in August 2016.

Dave Raven scores for Warrington Town against Whitby Town in January 2021. Picture by John Hopkins

Dave Raven scores for Warrington Town against Whitby Town in January 2021. Picture by John Hopkins

Nevertheless, Carden is expecting nothing other than a tough encounter against the side sitting directly above Yellows in the Northern Premier League Premier Division table, with Lee Bullen’s side arriving fresh from a 3-0 derby win over rivals Scarborough Athletic.

“For the whole time I’ve been here, Whitby has never been an easy game home or away,” he said.

“They’ve got some good players – they’ve always had strong players and I expect nothing less on Saturday.

“I think they were 3-0 up at half-time on Tuesday, which doesn’t surprise me. They can do that to teams.

“They’ve got goalscorers, strong defenders and athleticism throughout, so we need to be on it.”

Meanwhile, Warrington Rylands turn their attention back to NPL West Division matters this afternoon.

Dave McNabb’s side will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s FA Trophy exit at the hands of Hebburn Town when they welcome Kidsgrove Athletic to Gorsey Lane.

Blues exited the FA Trophy at the hands of Hebburn Town last weekend. Picture by Mark Percy

Blues exited the FA Trophy at the hands of Hebburn Town last weekend. Picture by Mark Percy

While Blues had a free midweek, Kidsgrove were beaten 3-0 at second-place Marine on Tuesday and arrive sitting ninth in the table.

Rylands could move up to second with victory, but McNabb has warned his players to be wary of their visitors’ strength in attack.

“It would have been nice to go a little bit further in the FA competitions, but we’ll dust ourselves down and go again,” he said.

“It’s another really tough game – Kidsgrove are a very strong side in attacking areas.

“They’re doing well in the league and we’re under no illusions about how tough a game it will be.”

Both matches kick off at 3pm.