Keeper Pilling saves the day as Rylands progress in F.A Trophy via penalty shoot-out

by John Hopkins

WARRINGTON Rylands clinched victory against Stocksbridge Park Steels in The Isuzu FA Trophy in a penalty shoot-out, with goalkeeper Luke Pilling saving the day.

Despite being in control for most of the first half it was the NPL Division One East team that was first to score after 31 minutes. A long kick by Steels keeper Ben Townsend caught the Rylands defence on the back foot and Daniel Hernandez slotted the ball past Pilling.

The lead only lasted 6 minutes however, as Ntumba Massanka was gifted a stray ball and despite the defensive pressure, hammered it past Townsend for the equaliser.

Ntumba Massanka scores

The second half was end to end with neither side threatening the opposition and at full-time the score was still 1-1.

There is no replay in the F.A Trophy and after a short break both sides lined up for penalties.
Although not all Rylands shots were converted into goals, Pilling saved the day with some almighty saves and The Blues came out victorious.
New manager Neil Reynolds now has two training sessions with his squad before they return to league action on Saturday at The Hive Arena when they host Stockton Town who currently sit 8 places above them in the league table.