by John Hopkins
WARRINGTON Rylands’ trip to the seaside didn’t go to plan as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Whitby Town.
Rylands were left ruing missed opportunities after dominating the opening 20 minutes, during which they could easily have built a commanding lead. Despite creating several clear-cut chances, the visitors failed to find the breakthrough.
Whitby nearly capitalised on a breakaway from a Rylands attack, but goalkeeper Luke Pilling produced a superb point-blank save to keep the scores level. The scare appeared to galvanise the hosts, who began to grow into the contest.
With nine minutes remaining in the first half, defender Patrick Gamble brought down a high ball on his chest, drove across the face of the goal and calmly slotted past Shane Bland to give Rylands the lead.
As the match wore on, the soft and uneven surface made intricate passing difficult, forcing both sides to adopt a more direct approach.
Midway through the second half, Whitby equalised from a corner when Matthew Tymon rose at the far post to beat Pilling.
Luke Pilling saves – Picture John Hopkins
The Blues pushed hard to regain the advantage but were again left frustrated. George Waring saw the ball hit the net after controlling it with his feet, only for the referee to rule it out for handball. Substitute Jake Burton also came close to snatching a winner, but Bland produced an excellent save to deny him.
Despite the disappointment, Rylands extended their unbeaten run to seven matches. Manager Neil Reynolds praised his players’ efforts, acknowledging the heavy, unpredictable pitch as a significant factor.
“Sometimes you have just got to take your point and go ‘well done!” he said.
Rylands return to action next Saturday at the Quickline Logistics Arena, where they will host Cleethorpes Town.
Clive Smith battles for the ball
