BY GARRY CLARKE
AFTER a run of five consecutive cup games Rylands made a winning return to league action with an impressive 3-1 victory away at Ashton Athletic.
After their midweek trip to Padiham was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch, Rylands played their first NWCFL for over a month and returned home with the three points which enabled them to leap frog their hosts in the Premier Division table keeping the pressure on the leaders.
Rylands took the lead in the 18th minute when captain Gary Kenny converted a Freddie Potter cross planting a firm header into the back of the net. They doubled their advantage eight minutes later, Kane Drummond rifling the ball home after a Ste Wolhuter free kick found him in the penalty area.
Rylands had several more opportunities to extend their lead before they netted their third goal on the hour mark, Tom McNamara slotting the ball home after being set up by Potter.
The home side pulled a goal back within a minute of the restart, Chris Bandell heading home from a left wing cross.
The final 30 minutes saw both side go close to adding to their tallies and the home side reduced to 10 men.
After the game, Rylands manager Dave McNabb said:“Fantastic performance today by the lads, particularly first half. We kept the ball well and created numerous chances. Could and should have been 5-0 at HT. A very good Ashton side pushed forward in the second half but we defended it really well”.
Rylands are on their travels again next Saturday when they visit the seaside to face Squires Gate.
