Match Report

3rd January 1999 - Alsager 1 - 2 Warrington Town

A Warrington Guardian report:

Drinks are on the Barr

WARRINGTON Town's dismal run of form, which led to six straight defeats, was finally ended after an impressive league win at Alsager on Monday. Manager Alan Blair, in his first victory since taking control of the team in November, reshuffled the attacking formation with Andy Barr making his full debut as a replacement for Jed Bushell. Kevin Tyrrell, serving the first of a two-match suspension, was also replaced by Neil Holden and the changes quickly proved profitable, with both Barr and Holden, who linked well together, scoring within 35 minutes.

Barr, after firing narrowly over from the edge of the box, enjoyed better fortune with a close range diving header following a dipping cross by Holden. Then Dave Tickle played a superbly-struck through ball to Holden, who fired in a low drive from 15 yards. Alsager, promoted into the North Western Trains League last summer, had earlier squandered a simple chance to equalise when Mike Elkin blazed a shot wide with only goalkeeper Neil McCormack to beat.

In the second half Town were restricted to two chances when Holden and substitute Bushell had shots blocked by 'keeper Jon Riley. In a late skirmish by the South Cheshire side, Dave Pick was forced to clear a header by Mark Nicklin off the line before substitute Richard Whittaker headed home a consolation goal in injury time.