Report & Pictures John Hopkins
THERE was football galore on Saturday as Warrington Rylands hosted matches from children, men and women at The Hive Arena in Gorsey Lane.
The day began with Introduction to Football Sessions for the youngsters where children aged 3-6 could discover the joy of football in a safe and inclusive environment
Crewe Alexandra were the penultimate pre-season friendly for the men’s first team before the Northern Premier League begins on 10 August with a long away trip to Hebburn Town
The EFL League Two side was a good test for Mark Duffy’s squad. Resting key players and still playing trialists The Blues went in at halftime in the lead from a Sam Burns well-taken goal, after The Alex appeared to control midfield but lacked imagination when through on goal
End-to-end football followed in the second half but, even with some incredible saves from keeper Luke Pilling, Rylands lost out as Fin Roberts bagged a second-half brace on 74 and 76 minutes to earn Crewe Alexandra a 3-2 comeback win
Newly-formed Warrington Rylands Ladies were next on the pitch for their first-ever friendly against a well-organised Wigan Athletic Development Squad. Even though they managed to score three goals the opposition was too strong for them
The event was a great success, celebrating football at all levels. Next at The Hive Arena is the final friendly against Salford City on Tuesday 30 July before the Northern Premier League begins with a long away trip to Hebburn Town on 10 August.
