Report and pictures by John Hopkins
As the nights draw in, it was a long drive to Ilkeston Town for Warrington Rylands, but the travelling side left Derbyshire with a goal, three points and a clean sheet.
Warrington have enjoyed an excellent September, losing just one match — against National League North side Chorley in the FA Cup — and were hoping to continue their impressive run of form.
Still without midfielder Adam Caddick, who damaged his knee against Chorley, the floating role once again went to Ben Hardcastle, who used his skills to good effect.
Within minutes, the rapid Harrison Wood ran through the Ilkeston back line and got a shot away, but goalkeeper Sam Wilson was well positioned to make the save.
Ilkeston were adept at changing the momentum of the game, regularly finding their wingers with long balls from deep inside their own half. However, Ash Hunter’s final ball lacked accuracy and the home side were unable to turn the promising attacks into goals.
Although the Derbyshire side created plenty of opportunities, it was Warrington who began to dominate the game. Waring, Munro and Costello all saw efforts blocked or saved by Wilson, with the Ilkeston goalkeeper producing a series of goal-saving interventions to keep his side in the match.
The second half was once again controlled by the travelling side, who repeatedly applied pressure on the Ilkeston goal. Whenever the hosts managed to break forward, The Blues’ defence stood firm to protect their goal.
The breakthrough finally came in the 57th minute. A powerful and impressive run from Calum Costello took him all the way to the goal line, where he fired the ball back across the goalmouth. Harrison Wood was first to react, firing the ball into the back of the net to give Rylands the lead.
A few changes were made as the game progressed, and the home side began to push forward in search of an equaliser. However, Rylands remained resolute and Ilkeston could not find a way through.
Next Saturday, Warrington Rylands return to Gorsey Lane, where they host Emley AFC, hoping to continue their excellent run of form into October.
