Warrington Town’s Dan Atherton saved two penalties in the semi-final shootout to set up a tie against Scarborough United in the play-off final.

The former Liverpool Academy goalkeeper ensured the game remained level all the way to penalties following Jordan Buckley’s equaliser after half time to cancel out Darius Osei’s opener for South Shields.

Atherton first denied Will Jenkins on the sixth round of penalties to keep his team in it.

He then crucially denied Jordan Hunter to send his side through.

The Yellows will travel to Scarborough for the Northern Premier League play-off final knowing a win could take them to the National League North.

 

Atherton, 22, said: “I could not be happier to play my part in getting us to the play-off final, but it is all part of the job.

“Part one complete and now time to kick off and get that promotion.”

Warrington Town have been in this position before.

In 2019, they faced South Shields in the final before losing in the “super final” to King’s Lynn Town.

This time, the winner of the final will be promoted directly without facing their southern counterparts.

Warrington will be desperate to make amends and send themselves just two steps away from the Football League come Monday night.

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