by Garry Clarke
WARRINGTON Rylands are on their way to Wembley after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Walsall Wood in the semi-final of the FA Vase.
A goal from Drummond after 25 minutes set Rylands on their way, with Nevitt doubling the lead from the penalty spot on 51 minutes when he kept his cool to send the keeper the wrong way.
The visitors pulled a goal back in added time but Rylands held their nerve to set up a historic first-ever trip to Wembley next weekend.
Drummond scores
Overcoming Midland League club Walsall Wood 2-1 in the semi-final the Blues now face Binfield of the Hellenic League in the final next Saturday.
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After a nervous cagey opening few minutes Rylands survived a major scare of their own making. Trying to play out from the back they surrendered the ball on the edge of the area. Wood attacker John Atherton’s shot was deflected behind for a corner by the legs of goalkeeper Graeme McCall.
Rylands started to take control although defences were still on top until the 25th minute when Andy Scarisbrick found a yard of space in a congested midfield to release Kane Drummond. Skipping round the Wood goalkeeper James Wren Drummond slipped the ball into an empty net to give the home side the lead.
Despite going a goal behind Walsall Wood did not increase their intensity allowing Rylands to remain in control of the game with the home side going close to increasing their advantage, Wren saving well from Drummond and Elliot Nevitt shooting into the side netting.
Rylands doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute. a long ball out of defence found Ste Milne, turning inside Jay D’Longa he was brought down by the Wood defender. Nevitt sent Wren the wrong way with his spot kick.
The visitors seeing their dreams of playing beneath the Wembley arch disappearing pushed more and more men forward in search of an equaliser but they could not find a way through a hard working resilient Rylands team, with their attacks being repelled by the twin towers of Gary Kenny and Rick Smith, an outstanding centre back partnership in an outstanding team performance.
With their opponents leaving more space at the back, Rylands looked to hit on the counterattack going close to snatching a match sealing third goal but Wren produced good saves to deny Nevitt and Paul Shanley.
As Rylands were easing to victory, two minutes into stoppage time Wood substitute Tom Towks hit a shot from 25 yards which flew into the Rylands net to set up a tense final couple of minutes.
It was too little, too late as referee Mr Richardson blew for time to signal wild scenes of celebration all around Gorsey Lane because Warrington Rylands are going to Wembley.
WARRINGTON RYLANDS TEAM – McCall, Gerrard, Tinning, Kenny, Smith, Coveney, Doyle, Scarisbrick, Nevitt, Milne, Drummond.
Subs used – Denman, Sheen, Shanley Subs not used – Emery, Freeman, Lees, Potter
RYLANDS 2-1 WALSALL WOOD
WE ARE OFF TO WEMBLEY pic.twitter.com/ypNasjql66
— Warrington Rylands FC (@RylandsFC) May 15, 2021
"We're the famous Warrington Rylands and we're going to Wembley!"@RylandsFC are officially #FAVase finalists. An incredible result for the lads, the staff, the fans and all of Warrington! Congratulations @davidmcnabb82, @FraserAblett, @Markpye12 and the team 🏆 pic.twitter.com/yjtL4OqZO9
— Charlotte Nichols (@charlotte2153) May 15, 2021
