Rylands face FA Cup replay

Report & Pictures John Hopkins

ONCE again Warrington Rylands could not put a match to bed as Newton Aycliffe fought back to score a 1-1 equaliser in the last quarter of the game in the FA Cup clash in Northumberland.

Newton Aycliffe, who currently play in the Northern Premier League Division One East, have already beaten Bamber Bridge on penalties in the first qualifying round.

Early in the match Ntumba Massanka was brought down in the penalty area and the referee immediately pointed to the spot, despite the protests of the local supporters. Ben Hardcastle stepped up to beat Jim Pollard in the Newton Goal to put The Blues in front.

Rylands took control of the remainder of the half but were unable to put the ball past an athletic Pollard.

Warrington began the second half on the front foot and yet another save by the keeper prevented an early goal. The ball was immediately kicked upfield as The Blues, playing in their ‘away red’ were pushing forward, but the finish completely missed the goal.

A superb run by Ben Hough down the right beat the offside trap and his cross, met by James Baillie, came so close to doubling the score.

Changes were made to the team and Dylan Dwyer was taken off injured, but a corner, taken short, was intercepted by the hosts who took it straight towards Rylands goal where Dean Thexton put it into the net for the equaliser on 76 minutes.

Warrington had several chances for the remainder of the match but were unable to find the winner.

The replay will now replace the league fixture against Leek on Tuesday at The Hive Arena.