report & pictures John Hopkins
WARRINGTON Rylands travelled to Ashton-Under-Lyne to meet Ashton United, but were disappointed as the Robins won by two goals to one.
Two competitive sides battled across the pitch as the wind swirled around Hurst Cross. Warrington started well and were soon creating chances.
Harrison Wood’s shot bounced off the post after 23 minutes. A minute later Adam Caddick sent the ball a whisker over the bar and then George Waring saw his effort roll past the outside of the goal. Alex Kiwomya was untouchable but could not find the ‘assist’ that he deserved.
Harrison Wood
Six minutes after Wood’s effort, the referee failed to stop the game for Rylands’ head injury and Darius Osei took full advantage to take the lead against the run of play.
With minutes left in the half, Rylands’ centre-half slipped, and The Robins followed in and scored an own-goal from their pressure.
At the halfway point, Ashton went into the changing room two goals to the good, but had only created the two chances.
The second half belonged to The Blues. Reynolds made changes from the bench as they pushed to get back into the game but United stood resolute in defence. It was all one-way traffic and Paul Cooper in the home goal was yellow-carded for time-wasting.
Probably the final action of the day came from new midfielder Charlie Munro, who blasted a power shot past Cooper for what could be the shot of the season, but it was too little, too late.
After the match Reno was full of admiration for his squad. “The way that they played; the spirit that they’ve got; the tenacity that they’ve got; the hunger they’ve got. They’re just a brilliant group and we have ‘togetherness’. The way they have progressed from last season to this, they’ve produced miracles”.
“They (Ashton) probably did deserve to win at our place (result 1-1), but they didn’t deserve to win today” was his personal view of the game.
Warrington have a Tuesday match next when they travel to Prescot Cables for a rearranged game.
