Report & Pictures John Hopkins
OVER 1000 spectators packed into The Quickline Logistics Arena for this Bank Holiday clash against Prescot Cables, which saw Warrington Rylands fight back from a goal down to draw 1-1.
The Bank Holiday fixtures created a busy period for all teams in this league, playing three matches within six days. A win at Workington last Tuesday, a goalless draw at Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday and yesterday’s draw against Cables gave Rylands 5 points from a possible 9, and they stay within the top three in the league, all on 12 points.
The heavy schedule left manager Neil Reynolds picking his team from a depleted squad. Four players were unavailable, with another three players not making it to the end of the game.
Both sides had their chances during the first half, but neither managed to convert their efforts. After just six minutes, Alex Kiwomya beat the offside trap and as Calvin Hare ran out of his goal, the ball rolled the wrong side of the post. Hare was called upon to make saves from Hardcastle and Burton, with Pilling at the other end also stopping shots. Ollie Southern, playing his first game of the season, had the ball taken off his foot just as he was about to tap it into the net.
Alex Kiwomya beats the keeper but misses the net
Then on 61 minutes, Warrington failed to clear the ball, giving away a corner. The home side were caught out at the far post and this time a diving Pilling was unable to get across the goalmouth in time.
Reynolds had no choice but to make changes. Akpo, Yahaya and Martin brought a new dimension to the team and created immediate problems for The Cables.
Adam Caddick in midfield began to produce some amazing runs and slotted a ball through the defence to meet a rapid Jake Burton. This time, there was no doubt that Burton would score – and he didn’t disappoint.
Caddick made another run and took it upon himself to make Hare sting his fingers, saving a powershot.
Neil Reynolds was pleased with the performance of his boys and their attitude to going a goal down. “We never know when we’re beat” he stated. “If you can’t win, don’t get beat.”
Warrington Rylands can now ‘rest’ from playing until next Saturday, 30th when they host Guiseley in the First Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup, kick off 3.00 pm.
Ben Hardcastle shoots
