report & pictures by John Hopkins
It was a case of highway robbery at Craik Park as Warrington Rylands 1906 FC stormed to a commanding 4–0 win over a struggling Morpeth Town AFC.
The long trip to Northumberland had no effect on the visitors, who seized control from the first whistle. Jake Burton almost opened the scoring inside the opening minutes and made sure at the second attempt after 14 minutes, meeting a Clive Smith cross to fire past Dan Langley.
Rylands dictated the tempo throughout the first half, leaving The Highwaymen chasing shadows. The second goal arrived when Harrison Wood powered down the left flank and, rather than crossing as expected, drilled a shot between the goalkeeper and the near post.
The visitors rounded off an outstanding first-half display with two quickfire goals from George Waring. He first converted Ben Hardcastle’s free-kick before reacting sharply when Langley spilt a low effort from Wood, tapping in from close range to make it four before the break.
The second period was far less eventful. Morpeth enjoyed more possession and showed greater resilience, but struggled to threaten going forward. Luke Pilling was required to make a couple of routine saves, while Rylands remained comfortable without extending their advantage.
Elsewhere, results proved favourable for Rylands, with sides above them dropping points and allowing them to climb back into fourth place.
They return home next Saturday to face Ilkeston Town FC at The Quickline Logistics Arena before travelling to South Liverpool FC for a Liverpool Senior Cup quarter-final clash the following Wednesday.
Jake Burton scores.
