Warrington Town 4
Nantwich Town 1
League (NPL Premier Play-Off Semi-Final)

Match Report

Nantwich Town's promotion push ended at Warrington Town as the Dabbers' superb campaign came to an end when they went down 4-1 in the Play Off semi final at Cantilever Park.

A brilliant Callum Saunder strike had raised hopes and given Town a 1-0 half time lead.

But two Ben Garrity headers, a Tony Gray strike and keeper Lloyd Allinson's unlucky own goal put paid to the Dabbers' hopes.

The Dabbers came under some early pressure but stood up to it well, and hit the front on 27 minutes. The home side failed to properly clear a free kick and when the ball was put back into the area Saunders lashed a stunning scissor kick (pictured) beyond keeper Tony McMillan.

Allinson made a brilliant point-blank save from Gray and Joe Davis did well to scramble a Robbie Evans effort off the line as Warrington pressed for a leveller.

But Nantwich's brave resistance was broken nine minutes into the second half when Jack Dunn floated in a corner and Garrity’s header nestled into the bottom corner.

The Yellows were lifted, and only another good save from Allinson denied Alex Whittle as they looked for a second.

On 79 minutes they got it when another set-piece was met by Garrity who nodded into the top corner this time.

Nantwich threw men forward, but were dealt a hammer blow when Dunn's direct free-kick came back off the bar and hit the hapless Allinson and bounced into the net.

Things were now desperate for Nantwich – with McMillan having to scramble away from on the line – and that was typified by the challenge that saw Barnes dismissed.

It was a big disappointment for the Dabbers and their excellent supporters - but it has still been a super 2018-19 for Dave Cooke and his men.

They finished up Cheshire Senior Cup champions and a fourth place finish in the Evo-Stik League is something to build on next time around.

Louis Barnes was sent off for a second yellow card as Nantwich got desperate in the close stages.

And insult was added to injury when, with the visitors committing men forward, Warrington took advantage on the counter and Gray volleyed home.

Match report written by Cheshire Live