by Garry Clarke
Picking up four points from their last two games Rylands moved to the top of the North West Counties League table ahead of Whitchurch Alport on goal difference, both teams having ten points from four games.
Rylands convincingly defeated fellow promoted team Avro 5-0 at Gorsey Lane last Saturday.
Despite the visitors starting the better, Rylands took the lead in the 25th minute when Andy Scarisbrick set George Lomax away down the left hand side, cutting inside he found the back of the net with the help of the far post. Four minutes later, the Blues doubled the lead when a nice team move found its way out to Adam Jones on the right hand side of the box; Jones finished well shooting back across the ‘keeper.
Rylands had the chance to make it three shortly before the interval after Lomax was brought down inside the box for a penalty. The Rylands striker stepped up himself but saw his effort well saved by the ‘keeper down to his left hand side. Lomax scored a second goal of the game on the hour mark, when a wonderful team move found Jay White, who back heeled the ball past the defender for
Lomax, who made no mistake when one-on-with the Avro goalkeeper.
Rylands had made it 3-0 six minutes earlier when Harry Molyneux delivered a free kick in to the box from just inside the Avro half, which bounced, evaded everyone and found the back of the net. Molyneux completed the scoring in the 88th minute.
After the game manager Dave McNabb, now in sole charge of team affairs, said “The performance was exactly what we’ve been looking for. Despite picking up two league wins from two and showing glimpses in spells, we hadn’t reached the level of performance that I know we’re capable of for a full ninety minutes. On this occasion we did. The lads gave the reaction that we asked for after our disappointing defeat in The FA Cup. From start to finish I thought we were excellent. We created lots of chances and defensively we limited a strong Avro side to a couple of half chances and efforts from distance. It was without doubt our best performance of the season so far and hopefully we can continue.”
Rylands dropped their first points of the season on Tuesday being held to a 0-0 draw at Burscough in a tough game played in very wet conditions. Both sides tried to play football though right to the end, and it could have gone either way with both going close to scoring several times..
Twenty four hours before the Avro game the Blues confirmed Stuart Wellstead had stepped down from his role as player/ joint manager to prolong his playing career signing as a player for Wythenshawe Town.
Joining Rylands ahead of the club’s first season in the North West Counties a year ago, finishing as top scorer as the blues won promotion at the first attempt, winning the league and champions trophy double.
Explaining his decision to leave Wellstead said “There is absolutely no animosity between me and the club; I just want to play football matches. Rylands are left in great hands and I’m sure they will have a very successful season, it’s great to see them growing how they are. Good luck and see you at the ground soon enough I’m sure. “
Prior to joining Rylands, Wellstead was a member of the Runcorn Linnets team which won the Premier Division title two seasons ago. His strike partner in that successful team was Freddie Potter, a vastly experienced prolific striker who has been unveiled as Rylands latest recruit making his debut as a sub against Avro.
Rylands have a day off on Saturday as their scheduled opponents Longridge Town are involved in the FA Cup. Rylands return to action on Bank Holiday Monday 26th August when they host Ashton Athletic at Gorsey Lane, kick off 3pm. £4 Adults / £2 Concessions / U16 Free.
