Important point for Rylands in push for play-offs

by John Hopkins

A goalless draw away at Gainsborough Trinity earned Warrington Rylands an important point as the season approaches its final stages.

Rylands began with a cautious approach, leaving forwards Jake Burton and Alex Kiwomya on the bench to strengthen the midfield. Youngster Ty Webster made his first start of the campaign. The opening half offered little in terms of clear chances, with both sides struggling to gain sustained control.
The best opportunity before the break came when Charlie Munro found Harrison Wood, but his effort was blocked by Trinity goalkeeper David Robson. At the other end, Frank Mulhern attempted to catch Luke Pilling off his line with a lob, but it failed to trouble the Rylands keeper.
The game came to life in the second half, with Pilling producing several excellent saves to keep the hosts at bay. The introduction of Jake Burton and Ben Hough gave Rylands fresh impetus, and they immediately looked more dangerous. Burton nearly made an immediate impact, reacting quickly to a George Waring header and seeing his effort pushed onto the post by Robson.

Jake Burton in action – Picture John Hopkins

Rylands continued to press, with Wood and Burton both going close, but Robson remained in fine form. As the match wore on, Trinity pushed forward, forcing more impressive stops from Pilling.
The game’s major talking point came late on. Burton was fouled and thrown to the ground by Bobby Johnson. After reacting, it was Burton who was shown a red card, while Johnson escaped punishment. The decision left Rylands to see out the closing stages with ten men.
Despite the setback, Rylands defended resolutely through an extended period of stoppage time to secure the draw.
With four games remaining, Rylands stay fourth in the table, while rivals Stockton Town and Lancaster City both slipped up. Manager Neil Reynolds praised his squad’s effort, especially given a number of injury concerns, and also acknowledged the quality of a Gainsborough side competing for the same play-off place.