by John Hopkins
WARRINGTON Rylands brought league leaders Hebburn Town’s impressive winning streak to a halt with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Quickline Logistics Arena on Saturday.
The Hornets arrived in Cheshire having won twelve of their last thirteen matches and looked confident heading into the fixture, but they found Rylands to be resilient opponents.
The first half was fast-paced and evenly contested, with both teams looking to take the initiative. Despite the end-to-end nature of the play, clear-cut chances were at a premium. Matt Regan headed just wide from a Ben Hardcastle corner, Hardcastle himself saw an effort blocked by Hebburn goalkeeper Aidan Heywood, and Jake Burton twice sent shots narrowly over the bar under pressure.
At half-time, Harrison Wood replaced Regan, adding further attacking intent for Rylands in the second period.
However, it was Hebburn who broke the deadlock 16 minutes after the restart when Liam Murray’s low strike slipped past Luke Pilling to put the visitors ahead, despite Rylands beginning to assert more control over the match.
George Waring scores – Picture John Hopkins
The goal spurred the Blues into a response, and they quickly intensified their pressure. Their efforts were rewarded just eight minutes later when George Waring rose highest to head home the equaliser.
With legs tiring, Burton was replaced by young forward Sam Muyengwa, who almost made an immediate impact when his shot deflected off Heywood.
The draw means Warrington Rylands now turn their attention to next week’s long journey to face struggling Morpeth Town in the North East.
