No ‘Leek-style’ comeback for Rylands as Cleethorpes claim three points

by John Hopkins

THERE was to be no ‘Leek-style’ comeback for Warrington Rylands as they fell to a 3–0 defeat against a strong Cleethorpes Town side at The HPS Plant Hire Stadium.

Despite the strong winds swirling around the pitch, both sides adopted a direct approach, with long balls contributing to an end-to-end opening.
Luke Pilling was called into action within minutes of kick-off, producing an incredible diving save to keep Rylands in the game. At the other end, Harrison Wood delivered a superb low cross into the goalmouth, only for a sliding defender to intercept and divert the ball into the hands of goalkeeper Ollie Battersby.
Pilling was soon called upon again after The Owls were awarded a free-kick, with the Rylands goalkeeper producing another excellent diving save to prevent the hosts from taking the lead.

Rylands were creating chances of their own but struggled to make them count. Wood latched onto a throw-in and struck the ball on the turn, only to see his effort bounce off the crossbar. Ben Hardcastle also found himself in a promising position, but with only Battersby to beat, he was unable to get his feet sorted as the ball sat slightly behind him.
Cleethorpes remained dangerous on the counter-attack, and their threat soon paid off. Within a minute of Rylands’ latest attacking opportunity, the hosts broke forward and found the net, leaving Pilling with no chance of preventing the goal. Rylands went into the half-time break trailing by one.

The Blues continued to go toe-to-toe with their opponents after the restart, repeatedly creating opportunities in search of an equaliser. Joe Riley came agonisingly close, watching his effort drift inches wide of the post, while Pilling was once again on hand to produce another important save.
Hardcastle tested Battersby with another effort, but with nobody following in, Rylands were unable to capitalise on the rebound.
Despite their efforts, the visitors struggled to find a breakthrough, and Cleethorpes began to make their dominance count. When Rylands failed to clear their lines, Josh Walker was perfectly positioned to tap the ball into the net and double the hosts’ advantage.
The Owls continued to demonstrate their clinical finishing. After striking the crossbar, they had players ready to pounce, and it was Liam Hughes who ultimately benefited to make it 3–0.
With just five minutes remaining, there was no way back for the travelling Blues, who had to accept defeat despite creating several promising chances throughout the contest.
Rylands will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s home fixture against Curzon Ashton, who sit just two points above them in the league. The Blues will be eager to bounce back and get their campaign back on track.