report & pictures John Hopkins
WARRINGTON Rylands bounced back in emphatic fashion with a commanding 3–0 victory over Rushall Olympic at The Quickline Logistics Arena, a result that lifted them back into fourth place in the NPL Premier League.
With Alex Kiwomya ruled out through injury, Jake Burton stepped into the spotlight – and seized his opportunity in stunning fashion. Rylands barely had time to settle before Burton opened the scoring, rising to head home a precise Clive Smith cross after just three minutes. While some supporters were still finding their seats, the hosts had already signalled their intent in the race for the play-offs.
George Waring celebrates – Picture John Hopkins
Burton was a constant threat leading the line, but the performance was a collective one. After two disappointing results, Rylands looked revitalised, playing with cohesion and confidence that Rushall simply couldn’t match.
Goalkeeper Luke Pilling was largely untroubled, but when called into action he showed his quality, producing a superb save to deny Liam McAlinden.
Rylands doubled their lead six minutes before half-time. George Waring capitalised on a dangerous Guy Hall delivery, seeing his initial effort blocked before calmly finishing on the rebound.
The second half started just as the first had ended, with Burton finding the net again after only 25 seconds to extend the lead to three.
A hat-trick looked on the cards, but it wasn’t to be. When Regan appeared to score from a corner, the referee instead awarded Rylands a penalty for a foul on Waring. Captain Dean Furman handed the ball to Burton, but his placed effort was saved by Rushall keeper Jake Laban.
Despite that miss, Warrington continued to dominate with their slick, attacking football and could easily have scored more. Manager Neil Reynolds described himself as “over the moon and ecstatic” with the display, calling it “one of the team’s best performances of the season, delivered at a crucial moment”.
Reynolds will be hoping this result provides a significant confidence boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with league leaders Hebburn Town at The Arena.
Man -of-the-match Adam Caddick
Players celebrate with fans
