IT’S one last midweek road trip for the season for Warrington Town tonight.
And at the end of it, they will look to capitalise on hosts who could potentially have their minds elsewhere.
Yellows are all but certain to be relegated from the National League North but regardless of their result at Spennymoor Town tonight, they cannot be mathematically condemned until this weekend at the earliest.
Their hosts have an opportunity to close to within three points of the play-off spots, but they are also just one game away from a trip to Wembley Stadium for the FA Trophy Final.
Following a run that has seen them knock out higher-ranked sides Boston United and Sutton United, Moors travel to Rochdale for their semi-final tie on Saturday knowing a win would see them walking out at the national stadium for the final on May 11.
They had won four National League North games in a row before being hammered 4-0 at Chorley at the weekend, but Carden says he is expecting a response from the Moors regardless of what lies ahead.
“I know they were beaten pretty convincingly on Saturday but with the type of players Spennymoor have got, I know they will want to bounce back and go into their semi-final in better shape,” he said following his side’s 3-2 home defeat to Darlington on Saturday.
“We know it’s not going to be easy, but there is always that thought that you’re hoping they have one eye on their game on Saturday which could give us an opportunity.
“If we apply ourselves like we did on Saturday, I’ll be happy because we’ll definitely cause problems.”
Town are likely to be without full-back Jack Hont and midfielder Jay Harris, both of whom were forced off with injuries on Saturday while Andy White, Evan Gumbs and Elliot Morris will miss the remainder of the season.
Carden is, however, hopeful of having a couple of other players back in contention for the game at the Brewery Field.
“I think we’ll struggle with Jay Harris and Jack Hont. They add to the list but Ollie Southern should be okay, as should Hamish Douglas,” he said.
“We’ll probably bring Sam Gill in – hopefully he’s come through while playing for Northwich because he’s been carrying a knock as well – and we had Murphy Bennett out of the squad as well.
“We should have numbers and bodies available, and the lads who finished Saturday’s game will have recovered right ready for another game on the road.”
