by Garry Clarke
Rylands FC slipped to their first league defeat of the season losing 2-1 at Hanley Town on what manager Dave McNabb described as a “really disappointing day at the office”.
Due to postponements and results elsewhere Rylands retained top spot in the North West Counties League Premier Division. Although the chasing pack have narrowed the gap.
Having had a penalty saved in the 28th minute, Rylands took the lead in the 35th minute when George Lomax’s shot from 20 yards was deflected into the bottom corner.
Hanley struck twice in the opening minutes of the second half to take what proved to be a winning lead. James Phillips volleyed home from eight yards in the 51st minute and five minutes later Josh Thorpe headed in from a corner.
After the game Rylands manager McNabb said: “Obviously, very disappointed to lose our first league game of the season. We didn’t play very well at all and certainly didn’t do enough to win the game. Maybe undeservedly but I thought we could and should have had the game wrapped up by half-time, a missed penalty and a missed chance could of put the game to bed.
“Second half Hanley, who were impressive throughout, scored two well worked goals in a five minute period. We created lots of chances in the last five or ten minutes but we couldn’t turn them into a goal. Well done to Hanley who were brilliant throughout the game.”
Rylands welcome last season’s runners up Bootle to Gorsey Lane next Saturday and Northwich Victoria the following Tuesday before Bootle return in the FA Vase on Saturday 12th October
Rylands team v Hanley – McCall, Davies, Freeman, Kenny, Shaw, Lees, Gerrard. Wolhuter, Lomax, Scarisbrick, Jones. Subs used Moran, Molyneux, Potter. Not used Lownsborough, Parry.
