by John Hopkins
WARRINGTON Rylands bounced back to winning ways in the penultimate game of the season with a 0-2 victory at Hyde United on Easter Monday.
Several key players were not available for the match, but it was good to see the return of top goalscorer Ben Hardcastle back into the squad. The Project Solar Stadium’s pitch is artificial which allows Warrington to play their quick passing style of football and Hough, Furman and Hopper controlled midfield.
It wasn’t long before pressure was applied to The Tiger’s defence; Alex Kiwomya jumped quickly to head a high bouncing ball from keeper Callum Hiddleston’s reaching hands and landed to face an open net. Just four minutes was on the clock.
With Pilling still out of the squad, Toby Hurst took charge of the Rylands goal for the second game in a row and was thrilled to keep a clean sheet. Neil Reynolds played a different back three but they were easily up to the task.
The Blues were in control in all areas of the pitch; Hyde had possession for a while but rarely managed to cross the centre line. When they did, Rylands pounced.
The second half began as did the first. A Ben Hardcastle corner was knocked onto the goalpost and the rebound fell to the feet of Murray Campbell who obligingly tapped it in for the second goal. Just five minutes of the second half was on the clock.
The hosts could do little to get back into the game and several disappointed voices were to be heard coming from the crowd.
Warrington Rylands will play their final match of the 2024-25 season at home next Saturday when they host Morpeth Town at The Hive Arena. Although The Blues sit comfortably in eleventh place in the NPL Premier Division a win could possibly move them up one more position, a great achievement considering they were a lowly 23rd when Manager Neil Reynolds took to the helm.
Alex Kiwomya faces an open net
