Warrington Rylands continue disappointing league form with home defeat

Report & Pictures John Hopkins

WARRINGTON Rylands fell to bottom but one in the NPL Premier League following a 1-2 defeat at home to Bamber Bridge.

With just the one win in the league this season Rylands were desperate for a victory against Brig who comfortably sit in mid-table, but it was not to be.

Rylands began in good form, creating many chances which were not converted. James Pradic, on loan from Preston North End, didn’t repeat his gaffs from last season and kept the ball out of the net through the first half.

Once again The Blues were caught out whilst pushing forward and succumbed to a 28th-minute goal. Two minutes later Ben Hardcastle received a dubious yellow card after it appeared that he himself had been fouled. Jack Baxter scored the second goal from the free kick.

Mark Duffy has brought two new players into the squad this week and they both came on for the second half to provide a complete attacking side and within 14 minutes from the kick-off Captain James Neild headed a Hardcastle corner past Pradic.

Hopes were high for a Warrington come-back but although they could still control midfield were not able to find an equaliser.

James Baillie beat the offside trap but was surrounded by three defenders as he watched his hurried shot trundle wide of the post. Jack Daniels and Cameroon Rooney combined neatly to provide Ntumba Massanka with a chance but his header flew high.

If possession created points, Warrington would be further up the league table, but sadly, goals count, and that is where The Blues fall short each match. An average of a goal a match is low but after conceding eleven goals in return explains their fall down the table.

Warrington Rylands return to the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday 28th when they host Scarborough Athletic from the National League North, kick off 3.00 pm.