Rylands’ historic week ends with a win.

BY GARRY CLARKE
RYLANDS completed an historic week for the club with a resounding win on Saturday against Padiham. 
Winning 5-1 allowed Rylands to keep up the pressure on the NWCFL Premier Division leaders by closing the gap between themselves and the third promotion spot to six points.
Manager Dave McNabb said: “Brilliant performance today from the lads. It’s been a difficult few weeks with lads injured and some poor performances and results but the lads bounced back today
“We played some great football in spells against a very good Padiham side.”
In an open game which kept the 115 strong Gorsey Lane crowd entertained on a cold afternoon, Rylands took the lead in the 26th minute when Freddie Potter played a ball in behind the visitors defence, Andy Scarisbrick took the ball in his stride to drill an angled shot into the net.
Four minutes later Rylands doubled their lead. Kane Drummond  burst through the defence onto a through ball. He passed to Potter who clipped the ball to Elliot Morris who marked his debut with a well taken goal.
Potter got his name on the score sheet in the 35th minute. A corner was only half cleared allowing Harvey Whyte to cross the ball back into a packed Padiham area where it fell to Potter who smashed it into the back of the net.
The second half started with debutant goalkeeper Nick Ward pulling off a fine save diving low to his left to keep out a free kick. In the ensuing goalmouth scramble Padiham bundled the ball over the line, but were denied a goal by a linesman’s flag.  However, there was no denying the visitors a goal in the 55th minute, Luke Noble stabbing the ball past Ward.
Rylands scored twice in the closing minutes, both goals coming from substitutes, Sam O’Halleron sublimely chipped the ball over the ‘keeper and Stuart Crilly’s glancing header directed Scarisbrick’s cross into the net.
Twenty four hours earlier Rylands had announced that Kane Drummond had signed a contract with the club and in doing so became the first contracted player in the club’s 109-year history.
The 18-year-old forward who has netted 10 times for the blues since joining in the summer, has gradually got better throughout the season and has been outstanding during the last month in particular, receiving five consecutive player of the match awards as nominated by opponents and has attracted the attention of a number of other clubs..
Upon signing, Kane said “I’m really, really happy. It’s a big step for me and the club and I’m looking forward to it. I love playing football for Rylands and I’m incredibly proud to become the first contracted player in the club’s long history.”
Chairman Mark Pye said “I think today again shows the club’s ambition. In our 100+ year history, Kane will be our first contracted player. I’m delighted for Kane and the club that we’ve been able to make this happen. This is also a great reminder to our younger players of what we can offer.”
Rylands are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Wincham Park to take on Northwich Victoria, kick off 3pm.