by Garry Clarke
Rylands FC eased into the second qualifying round of the FA Vase comfortable beating Athersley Recreation 6-0 at Gorsey Lane in the first round on Saturday.
Ryland’s manager David McNabb said, “We started the game very well and got the first goal early on. Some of the football played today, particularly the first half was frightening and the players deserve all the credit. The first half was probably some of the best football we’ve played so far this season and it was a joy to watch at times.
“Second half wasn’t as good and the tempo dropped a little but that’s to be expected. Fair play to Athersley as well who didn’t give up and worked really hard ultimately, we’re in the hat for the next round and that’s all that matters.”
Playing in the national competition for the first time since 1990, Rylands wasted little time opening the scoring in the first minute. From a corner Callum Lees stuck out a leg to deflect an Andy Scarisbrick shot into the visitors net.
Such was Rylands domination of the first half it seemed as only half the pitch was in use but for all the chances they created the home side had to wait until the 24th minute for their second goal, Jay White (pictured) the scorer.
Rylands put the game beyond Athersley’s reach with three goals in four minutes. White added his second in the 36th minute. Freddie Potter opened his account for the club a minute later before White completed his hat trick in the 40th minute volleying home from 12 yards.
Despite being five down at half time, the Northern Counties East side never let their heads drop and forced debutant keeper Callum Spencer into making a couple of good saves.
His opposite number was the much busier of the two custodians pulling off several fine saves in the second half but was unable to stop Potter from heading home Rylands 6th goal on the hour mark.
Rylands will face Northern Counties East opposition in the second qualifying round when Rossington Main visit Gorsey Lane on Saturday 14th September.
