Rylands exit FA Trophy after defeat to Guiseley

Report & Pictures John Hopkins

WARRINGTON Rylands exited the FA Trophy following a 3-1 defeat to fellow Northern Premier League Premier Division side Guiseley at The Quickline Logistics Arena.

Guiseley, who currently sit third in the league table, arrived in Warrington in impressive form, having suffered just one defeat in their previous 11 matches across all competitions.
Despite Storm Boelo doing its best to force a postponement, the pitch held up well. However, swirling winds and torrential rain made conditions difficult for both sides, preventing the game from developing into a free-flowing contest.
Rylands made a bright start, putting early pressure on Guiseley goalkeeper Jack Hall. However, the visitors proved dangerous on the counter-attack and took the lead after just seven minutes when Cameron Wilson fired the ball through Luke Pilling’s legs.

With supporters seeking shelter from the elements, the match developed into an end-to-end encounter. Both goalkeepers were called into action, while the two defences remained resilient. Despite Rylands’ efforts, Guiseley took a 1-0 lead into the interval.
The visitors doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half when Wilson struck again, poking the ball past Pilling from close range.
Rylands refused to give up and manager Neil Reynolds made several changes in an attempt to turn the game around. The adjustments paid off when Harrison Wood broke down the right, evading the challenge of Lebrun Mbeka before delivering a cross into the box. George Waring stretched to meet the delivery and guided the ball home to halve the deficit.

The goal lifted the home side, who immediately looked to build on their momentum and find an equaliser.
However, Guiseley continued to threaten going forward. During one attack, Patrick Gamble bravely threw himself in front of a shot to make a block. As he fell, the ball rebounded off his face and onto his arm, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot.
Will Longbottom, who had replaced Wilson just three minutes earlier, stepped up and calmly converted from the spot with only five minutes remaining to restore Guiseley’s two-goal advantage and seal the visitors’ passage into the next round.
Rylands must now turn their attention back to league action, with a week to reflect on the defeat before travelling to Ashton United next Saturday.