FORMER manager Alan Lord made a temptestuous return to Cantilever Park as he got himself booked from the dug out! Lord, now in charge at Atherton Colleries, was shown the yellow card for arguing with the referee in the closing stages of a thrilling North Western Trains League Floodlit Trophy tie. A player from each side also received their marching orders as the game ended on an explosive note and the referee struggled to maintain order.
This passionate encounter deservedly ended level with teenage sensation Damien Whitehead once again the scorer for Town. The centre forward has wasted little time in making a major impact after recently being introduced into the side. The 18-year-old has now scored five goals in his opening three games and slammed home a late penalty to leave Town on level terms with Atherton going into the opening return leg. Whitehead had earlier been denied further additions to his impressive haul by Atherton 'keeper Cyril Sharrocks, who kept out at least four goalbound efforts by the striker. He finally got the better of Sharrocks after 81 minutes from a spot-kick, awarded when James Ward was upended in the box.
The game took an unfortunate turn when Town mid-fielder Ian Tague was dismissed for verbal dissent against the referee and Atherton's Colin Lomas received a red card after conceding the penalty. Warrington had fallen behind in the opening minutes when Chris Arnold powered in a 12 yard low drive.
High riding Fleetwood are the visitors to Cantilever Park tomorrow, Saturday.
Striker Tony Plant, who only made one substitute appearance for Warrington, after moving
to them last month, has rejoined Tetley Walker.
Warrington: Thompson, Routledge. Nestor, Berry, Bold, Tague, Dack, Whitehead, Ward. Subs
not used: Johnson, Stockton.