by John Hopkins
EMLEY AFC were left lost in the Wood as Warrington Rylands secured a well-earned 4–1 victory at the Quickline Logistics Arena, with Harrison Wood claiming a superb hat-trick.
With the sun shining down on both sides, it was the home team who quickly turned up the heat.
Emley fielded former Blues players Edy Maieco and Alex Kiwomya, and both had opportunities in the opening stages. Kiwomya produced the first effort on target with a header that forced Luke Pilling into an outstanding reaction save.
Chances continued to come at both ends, but it was Rylands who broke the deadlock. Harrison Wood picked up the ball and drove a shot through a crowded Emley defence, past goalkeeper Ben Bottomley and into the net.
Rylands began to take control of the contest and were soon threatening again. A looping cross struck the post before rebounding onto Bottomley and going behind for a corner.
After Calum Costello was fouled just outside the penalty area, Ben Hardcastle stepped up to take the free-kick. His effort skimmed the crossbar, much to the relief of the Pewits.
With ten minutes remaining of the first half, Wood struck again. His second goal left Bottomley on the turf as the Rylands players celebrated doubling their advantage.
Neil Reynolds admitted afterwards that he was being ‘picky’ when he suggested Rylands experienced something of a lull after the interval. However, Emley took advantage of the quieter spell and pulled a goal back.
Ross Hardaker delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which was met by Charlie Barks, whose finish beat Pilling and sparked celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Any thoughts of an Emley comeback were quickly extinguished, though, as Wood completed his hat-trick just ten minutes later to restore Rylands’ two-goal cushion.
The hosts continued to create opportunities but struggled to find the finish required to get back into the game. Maieco came close when he connected spectacularly with a lofted ball, attempting an acrobatic overhead scissors kick, but Pilling was perfectly positioned to make the save.
Emley refused to give up their search for a second goal, but it was Rylands who had the final say.
Deep into injury time, Ben Hardcastle unleashed an unstoppable power shot into the back of the net to round off an impressive afternoon for the visitors.
A demanding week now awaits Rylands, who travel to Leek Town on Tuesday evening before making the long journey to Cleethorpes Town next Saturday.
Calum Costello is brought down in front of goal
