by Garry Clarke
WARRINGTON Rylands kick-started their new season 45 days after their big day out at Wembley, with an impressive 1-0 victory of FC United of Manchester in a pre-season friendly at Gorsey Lane.
Pre-season friendlies are not about the result, they are more about shaking off any rustiness and integrating new players into the team, but it’s always nice to win especially when it’s against a team from a higher league.
A competitive encounter with a few tasty tackles, play constantly switched from end to end with plenty of goalmouth action to keep the large crowd entertained.
The visitors started the game strongly causing problems for the Rylands rearguard in the opening minutes while the home sides were still finding their feet. Once they gained a foothold in the game Rylands started to cause their opponents problems, with Ste Milne drawing a fine double save out of the Reds goalkeeper.
Five minutes before the break Callum Dolan, one of four new signings in the Blues ranks, ended a strong run by setting up Mike Simpson whose shot was turned round the post for a corner. FC cleared the corner and raced the full length of the pitch before delivering a dangerous cross into the Rylands box where it was cut out by Dolan who had tracked the breakaway.
Manager Dave McNabb rang the changes at halftime introducing nine players to the game.
Again FC started the half stronger with Graeme McCall being called into action in the opening minutes with a fine save.
Once control of the game was regained, Rylands pressed forward. Lee Knight control a cross field ball on his chest turned inside laid the ball off to Charlie Doyle whose shot from the edge of the area was tipped away by the keeper.
Midway through the half FC enjoyed a period of sustained pressure on Rylands goal but could not find a way past McCall who saved well to deny Potts and Ennis.
As the game entered its later stages Rylands were the dominant side, with Kane Drummond going close and FC’s goalkeeper saving to deny Rick Smith.As the game seemed destined to end goalless Luke Sephton won the ball from a FC player wide out on the left flank. He dispatched a long diagonal ball into the FC penalty area where Warren Gerrard is found at the far post. Firmly planting his header past a helpless FC keeper he secures a win for the home side.
Rylands players who took part in the game – Graeme McCall, Mike Simpson, Tom Freeman, Gary Kenny, Rick Smith, Abdul Djalo, Elliot Morris, Andy Scarisbrick, Ste Milne, Callum Dolan,
Joe Coveney, Warren Gerrard, Jack Tinning, Callum Lees, Charlie Doyle, Lee Knight, Sam Sheen, Kyle Sambor, Luke Sephton and Kane Drummond.
Next up for Rylands is a visit to Cheshire League Garswood United on Saturday, kick off 3pm £5 admission with under 16s free with an adult.
Pre-season fixture list:
Saturday 10th July away v Garswood United
Saturday 17th July home v Coventry City under 23
Tuesday 20th July away v Wythenshawe Town
Thursday 22nd July away v AFC Liverpool
Saturday 24th July away v Pilkington
Saturday 31st July home v AFC Fylde
Saturday 7th August away v Hornchurch
Season tickets to cover all home games in the NPL are also on sale;
Adults – £120 Concessions (Over 65s/16-18) – £60 Under 16s – £30 Family ticket (two adults/two under 16s) – £260
To apply for your season ticket, please contact the club via: E-mail – warringtonrylandsfc@gmail.com Booking line – 01925 635880
