Report & Pictures John Hopkins
FOUR goals in the first half were enough for Warrington Rylands to secure a win against Morpeth Town at The Quickline Logistics Arena, despite a three-goal fight back in the second half.
It took just 18 seconds for Alex Kiwomya to take the ball around Daniel Langley in the Morpeth goal and slot home for the first goal of the day. Alex went on to win the Man of the Match award for his performance, strengthened by his second goal – a beautiful chip over the reach of the out-coming Langley.
Warrington were in total control for 45 minutes as the visitors looked shell-shocked. Harrison Wood blasted a shot into the back of the net despite being under pressure and for the sixth game in a row Ben Hardcastle added his name to the score sheet. Adam Caddick had a shot saved and Kiwomya was denied a hat-trick by the woodwork.
Rylands could have been 7 or 8 goals up at half-time, but were happy with four.
Hardcastle celebrates – Picture John Hopkins
Craig Lynch brought on Cyril Giraud after the break and it was this move that changed the whole game. His run down the right caught The Blue’s defence napping and a low shot to the corner was too much for Luke Pilling. Giraud was all over the pitch and when he was supported by Aaron Singh Chung on the opposite side the pressure increased.
The Highwaymen looked as though they would rob Rylands of the match when William Dowling fired a brilliant curling shot into the top corner, and as Luke James scored a penalty in the 91st minute the home supporters were begging the referee to blow for time.
Warrington held out, however, and claimed all three points, with ‘The Peth’ facing a long and disappointing journey home feeling they could have taken something from their second half performance.
A 93rd minute goal by Lancaster City against Leek Town pushed Rylands off the top spot in the league, but they remain in second place, four points clear of Stockton who have two games in hand.
Warrington Rylands turn their attention to the Liverpool Senior Cup on Tuesday evening when they travel to Maghull FC for a 7.45pm kick off at the DT Hughes Community Stadium.
Hardcastle scores
