BY GARRY CLARKE
RYLANDS paid the price for a slow start as they exited the Buildbase FA Vase in the second round losing 1-0 at home to Grimsby Borough.
A Rylands team missing several regular players due to injury and suspension allowed their visitors to control the first half, although they did create chances with Freddie Potter, Tom Freeman and Tom McNamara all going close.
Rylands were indebted to goalkeeper Graeme McCall who diving low to his right pulled off a wonder save to keep out a header from point blank range, He also blocked the follow up attempt before the ball was scrambled away to safety.
Grimsby were building pressure and took the lead on the half hour when Lewis Bemrose met a cross from the right wing and directed his header from eight yards out of McCall’s reach. Grimsby could, and should have, added to their tally before half time but Jack Debnan’s shot was deflected wide and Bemrose scooped the ball over the bar from eight yards.
Half time came at the right time for Rylands who took the opportunity to regroup and came out after the break with a fresh impetus and dominated the second half doing everything but score.
Forced on to the back foot and their attacking options limited to the occasional break away, Grimsby defended desperately with defenders blocking shots, heading the ball clear and intercepting passes while goalkeeper Scott Drury made several fine saves.
Potter, Kane Drummond, George Lomax and new signing Sam O’Halleron all went close but could not find a way through the Grimsby defence which cleared a Lomax shot from close range off the line in the closing minutes.
After the game Rylands manager Dave McNabb said “Disappointing to go out of the Vase today but it wasn’t to be. We started the game poorly and were poor in possession and didn’t press the ball often enough out of possession. Grimsby were the better side first half and we went in deservedly one down. Second half was better, the work rate and commitment were much improved as we chased the game. We created several chances second half but could find a way through.”
Making his debut for Rylands was 18 year old O’Halleron, a striker signed earlier in the week from Fleetwood Town.
Rylands team: McCall, Plant, Freeman, Kenny, Lees (Jones), McNamara (O’Halleron), Gerrard, Wolhuter, Potter, Lomax, Drummond (Parry). Subs not used Davies, Spencer, White.
Rylands continue with cup action this week where you can the teams odds on Sports betting apps with two more cup ties on the agenda. They travel to Bootle on Wednesday in the first round of the Liverpool Senior Cup and then host Padiham next Saturday at Gorsey Lane in the Macron NWCFL Challenge Cup, kick off 3pm.
