by John Hopkins
WARRINGTON Rylands travelled to Nottinghamshire on Saturday to face relegation-threatened Basford United but could only manage to earn a point from a 1 – 1 draw.
Playing on Basford’s 3G artificial surface would generally suit the way Rylands play and, indeed, they had control of the first half, but in a match that could be described as the proverbial ‘game of two halves’, they didn’t capitalise on this. With the sun in the face of keeper Saul Deeney The Blues didn’t test him enough.
Too many chances were not taken and it took until injury time in the first half to break the deadlock. Clive Smith ran the ball to the goal line and sent it skimming across to Alex Kiwomya in front of goal. As he failed to make good contact it looked as though another chance had gone begging, but Jake Burton following in behind slotted the ball into the roof of the net.
Jake Burton scores
Basford’s new manager, Willis Francis, must have given a good changing room talk at half-time judging by the way they were more progressive and forward playing. Boasting several new players they allowed Rylands little time with the ball, and too many loose passes went astray.
Eight minutes into the second half The Ambers earned a corner. Jumping high at the far post Jamie Williamson headed into the net for the equaliser as Luke Pilling and Matt Regan became entangled
The Ambers, struggling at the lower end of the table, have been given praise from Neil Reynolds who said “they caused his team a lot of problems and could have gone on to win the game”. “We came up against a side that’s fighting and, on balance, a point each is a fair result.”
“It’s another game that we haven’t lost and I’m delighted with the squad.”
“We are still suffering from injuries: one player has been left at home; one has needed pain killers before the match; one has his ankle strapped up and they are all tired.”
Once again Kris Smith from the Development Squad came off the bench and gave a good account of himself, as did all the others.
Warrington, having played seven games in February, now have a week to prepare for their next match. Back at home in The Hive Arena next Saturday they will be hoping for a pay-back when they host Gainsborough Trinity, who earlier this month ended their run of 12 unbeaten games.
Dontai Gabidon in action
