Report & Pictures John Hopkins
Succumbing to a first half set piece goal Warrington Rylands fought back to finish their opening game of the season with a 1-1 draw against newly relegated Rushall Olympic.
After travelling down the M6 to Walsall manager Neil Reynolds named a strong squad to face up to ‘The Pics’ on their 4G pitch. Although ‘The Blues’ had chances to score, first blood went to Rushall on 22 minutes. A long corner appeared to be miss-judged by Ryland’s keeper Pilling and Alex Moore was well placed at the far post to head into the net.
Both sides went ‘head to head’ in the sun with some heavy tackles being made and tempers beginning to get heated. A bit of pushing and pulling in Warrington’s goalmouth resulted in the yellow card being brought out for players from both sides.
Alex Kiwomya runs around a defender
The early yellow card came into play for Jordaan Brown when he received his second yellow for kicking the ball away after a free kick was given to the away side.
Live-wire Jake Burton was causing fractious moments at the other end with his speed and ability and his efforts were rewarded 6 minutes into the second half when he jumped to net a high ball and equal the score.
It was Burton once again who was through on goal when Pic’s keeper, Ben Foumba Cisse, ran out and upended him. Cisse received a yellow card and Rylands were awarded a penalty. Main penalty taker, Ben Hardcastle stepped up to the spot but surprisingly put the ball wide of the post.
Both sides went down to ten players after Matt Regan also received his second yellow. In an effort to clear the ball he caught the head of the Rushall player who was behind him and attempting to head the low ball at the same time.
Burton went off injured soon after and Hardcastle moved into his position – through on goal with just Cisse to beat an attempted ‘lob’ found the hands of the keeper.
The Rushall keeper pulled off ‘the save of the season’ when the ball hit the cross bar. As it dropped Cisse pounced and managed to grab the ball squarely on the line.
A hard-fought first game of the season has now been put to bed and Warrington Rylands will be back in action at The Quickline Logistics Arena along Gorsey Lane for a home match against Bamber Bridge on Tuesday 12th August, kick off 7.45pm.
Captain James Neild leaves them on the floor
