Harry's magic casts a spell over Tigers

by Garry Clarke Pictures John Hopkins

MANAGERLESS Warrington Rylands dented Hyde United’s title aspiration by winning an entertaining encounter which saw the victors move to within a point of the playoff places.

Guided by senior players Sam Egerton and Dean Furman following the departure of Jody Banim earlier in the week, Rylands dominated the opening exchanges and could have taken the lead on several occasions before making the breakthrough in the 22nd minute.

Dylan Vassallo had a shot blocked in the 5th minute leading to shouts for handball, while Harry Pratt was off target with two shots from distance. Hyde responded with Tom Pratt drawing a good save from Rylands goalkeeper Luke Pilling in the 19th minute before the Blues opened the scoring.
Chasing a through ball Kelly N’Mai was to it by Hyde goalkeeper Dan Atherton but managed to blocked his attempted clearance, the ball spun off to Harry Pratt who, signed by Rylands from Hyde earlier in the season, shot into an empty net from 25 yards.
Rylands continued to dominate either side of the break going close to adding to their tally several times with Atherton making amends for his blunder by saving well to deny N’Mai and Furman, while Vassallo struck the top of the cross bar just before half time.
Not having proved much of a threat to the Rylands goal for the first hour of the game the home side started to gain more control in the later stages as they pushed more men forward in search of an equaliser.

They were thwarted by a strong, well organised, hardworking defence which was backed up by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Luke Pilling who pulled seceral very good saves in the closing minutes to keep Hyde at bay.

John Hunt – Picture John Hopkins

RYLANDS – Pilling, Hayde, Hunt, Neild, Egerton, Hockenhull, Vassallo, Furman, H Pratt (Robinson), N’Mai (Okwute), Duxbury (Mustoe). Subs not used Wright, Mantack.

HYDE – Atherton, Ditchfield, Fleming, Spooner, Fagbola, Roscoe, Mampala, Fearnley (O’Brien-Brady), Russ, Redshaw (Maieco – Perry), T Pratt. Subs not used Tongue, Neavin.

GOAL Rylands Pratt 22

Attendance 577