Stocksbridge Park Steels put in a spirited performance but were narrowly beaten 3–2 as Warrington Rylands 1906 confirmed a play-off place at the Quickline Logistics Arena.
Despite sitting at the bottom of the NPL Premier Division, Stocksbridge Park Steels didn’t play like a struggling side. They took an early lead after just 10 minutes when Connor Smythe fired a stunning shot into the top corner, giving stand-in goalkeeper Harry Ascroft no chance.
Rylands responded quickly and, after sustained pressure, found an equaliser when Patrick Gamble struck—his effort taking a deflection off Kasper Williams on its way in. The Steels then had a golden opportunity to regain the lead from the penalty spot, but Smythe’s attempt went wide.
Alex Kiwomya
Gamble added his second before half-time to put the hosts ahead, when once again the travelling side couldn’t clear their goalmouth.
After the break, Alex Kiwomya had a goal ruled out for offside but made amends in the 65th minute with a strong run and composed finish to make it 3–1. Stocksbridge refused to give up, and substitute Tomas Poole brought them back into the game five minutes later with a superb free kick into the top corner.
The Steels pushed hard for an equaliser, with Poole coming agonisingly close again, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar. Rylands managed to hold firm to secure all three points.
The result confirms Warrington Rylands’ place in the play-offs after a strong run of form, while Stocksbridge’s survival hopes remain alive but depend on other results. Rylands will finish their league campaign at home to Stockton Town on 25 April.
Ben Hardcastle
