Nantwich Town 1
Warrington Town 3
League (NPL Premier Division)

Match Report

Nantwich Town suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Warrington, their second loss in three days.

After a promising start to the new campaign, the defeats will hurt boss Dave Cooke and his side. The Dabbers had a chance to exact revenge on their play-off defeat by The Yellows back in May.

There was little to choose between them in a tight first half, Sean Cooke producing Nantwich’s first shot on target after 22 minutes.

Joe Mwasile had a free header soon after but could not test the Warrington keeper.

The visitors then took the lead on 36 minutes when David Raven slotted past Greg Hall after a good Warrington move cut through the Dabbers defence.

Nantwich pressed for a leveller before the break but could not make the breakthrough.

Mwasile went close again on 58 minutes, firing narrowly over from a good position.

The game-changer happened on 64 minutes when the visitor were awarded a penalty when Harrison chopped down Matthew Chadwick in the box. Chadwick dusted himself down to fire home from the spot, giving Hall no chance.

The Dabbers showed their spirit to get back in the game five minutes later, inevitably through the prolific Joe Malkin (pictured in action). Cooke swept a fine cross over and Malkin rose above his marker to flick a fine header into the corner for 1-2.

Nantwich continued to press but were finally caught out with a sucker punch breakaway on 89 minutes. Josh Amiss sealed the points for Warrington as he tapped home with Nantwich’s defence caught upfield.

The defeat is a reality check for the Dabbers who began with three straight victories.

Match report written by the Nantwich News