by Garry Clarke
RYLANDS exited the Macron Cup at the third round stage losing a penalty shoot out to league leaders 1874 Northwich.
Having fallen behind ten minutes from time, Rylands found an equaliser four minutes into stoppage time to set up a tense penalty shoot out.
Both goalkeepers, Graeme McCall and his 1874 counterpart Tony Aghayere saved two spot kicks and with Rylands missing a third it was the cup holders who progressed into the quarter finals.
An open free flowing. and at times feisty, encounter between two teams committed to a slick passing style, the game kept the 173 strong crowd Gorsey Lane entertained on a cold afternoon.
The two teams created numerous goal scoring opportunities throughout the game with both McCall and 1874 counterpart Tony Aghayere making a number of fine saves. Both teams were also just off target with several efforts before 1874 broke the deadlock in the 80th minute.
Substitute Taylor Kennerley received the ball out on the left flank, cutting inside he delivered a wicked ball into the middle, the ball evaded McCall and nestled in the far corner of the net.
With a place in the quarter finals slipping away Rylands launched a series of late attacks in an attempt to find an equaliser, all their efforts were repelled by a resolute 1874 defence until deep into stoppage time, Adam Jones played a long ball high into the 1874 penalty area; Jay White knocked the ball down to Lewis Buckley who smashed it into the roof of the net.
After the game Rylands manager Dave McNabb tweeted “Massively disappointing to lose the game on penalties today but so proud of the players Two good sides going at it for 90 minutes. I thought 74 were the better team first half but I thought we edged the second. Good luck to 1874 in the next round”.
RYLANDS – McCall, Jones, Freeman (Coyne), Kenny, Lees, Gerrard (O’Halleron), Scarisbrick, Wolhuter, Buckley, O’Neill (White), Drummond. Subs not used Parry, Potter.
1874 – Aghayere, Koral, Russell, Ormrod, Jones, Parker (Okome), Cain (Kennerley), Woolley, McGowan, Hare, Knight. Subs not used Gardner, Tinning.
Rylands turn their attention back to league action this week with two away games. Tuesday sees them visit Prescot to play Skelmersdale United and then make the short trip to Irlam on Saturday.
