Report & pictures John Hopkins
AFTER a disappointing defeat to Bradford Park Avenue at the weekend Warrington Rylands were back at The Hive Arena on Gorsey Lane for the midweek Quarter Final of the 2023-24 Liverpool Senior Cup.
Facing up to Tranmere Rovers who currently sit 16th in League Two and, If my maths are correct, 57 places higher up the English Football League Pyramid System
To coin a phrase, this was certainly a game of two halves. Tranmere took an early lead when Kristian Dennis sent Luke Pilling the wrong way as he scored from the penalty spot; soon after James Norris slotted another past Pilling to double the score. The first half belonged to the travelling side who led 0-2 at the break.
Ten minutes into the second half a sliding tackle created a small fracas and Jordan Mustoe was sent for an early bath. Rylands were down to ten players but this only seemed to spur them on. Tranmere were given no time to play with their effective and well organised style as the hosts continually chased them down, forcing them to make errors.
Warrington were awarded a free kick and Dan Cockerline jumped highest to head the ball over the struggling Conor Robson for his first goal for the club
As Djavan Pedro appeared to be brought down in the penalty area the referee deemed this not to be a foul.
Manager Michael Clegg brought on some fresh legs late on in the match and the pressure continued to rock Tranmere. Youngster Ben Taylor replaced Pedro and showed that he has the ability to play at this level.
The second half belonged to Rylands but the 1-2 score still favoured the away team who now move on to the Semi Finals.
Warrington Rylands’ next match will be at The Hive Arena on Saturday 10 February against Matlock Town.
I’m really proud tonight’
Despite tonight’s close defeat against Tranmere, the performance left a postive atmosphere around the Hive Arena as the manager Michael Clegg speaks about player debuts and aims for the future. #CommunityClub #WeAreRylands #OneClub #OneCommunity pic.twitter.com/D2qWxG82wO
— Warrington Rylands FC (@RylandsFC) February 6, 2024
No stroll in the park for Rylands as they lose to bottom-of-the-league
