Report & Pictures John Hopkins
Warrington Rylands maintained their impressive run of form with a 3–1 victory over Ilkeston Town at The Quickline Logistics Arena.
Despite heavy rain throughout, the game went ahead as planned. Manager Neil Reynolds praised both the groundsman for preparing the pitch and the match officials, who opted against abandoning the contest as conditions deteriorated and the surface became increasingly heavy.
Both teams embraced the challenge, but the deadlock remained unbroken until the closing stages of the first half. Alex Kiwomya, returning from injury, showed determination on the right flank and, even after being knocked off balance beyond the goal line, managed to deliver a cross into the six-yard box. George Waring met it at the near post and cleverly back-heeled into the path of Ben Hardcastle, who made no mistake in beating Alfie Roberts.
Dean Furman wins a header
Rylands doubled their advantage 12 minutes after the restart. Following another effort from Kiwomya, Ilkeston failed to clear their lines, allowing Harrison Wood to capitalise with a straightforward finish.
The hosts appeared to have sealed the win ten minutes later when Patrick Gamble powered home a header, sparking celebrations among the home side.
Ilkeston did pull a goal back soon after. Daniel Odunaiya’s strike wrong-footed Luke Pilling and trickled over the line, but it proved little more than a consolation.
The result moves Rylands level on points with third-placed FC United of Manchester, three behind Hebburn Town and four adrift of leaders Hednesford Town.
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s Liverpool Senior Cup quarter-final away at South Liverpool, before a league trip to Whitby Town on Saturday.
