by Garry Clarke
RYAN Brooke’s first goal in Warrington Rylands colours was all that separated his new team from Cammell Laird on a blisteringly hot afternoon on the Wirral.
However, on any other day they would have won by a much greater margin such was the amount of goal-scoring opportunities they failed to convert, especially in the first half.
Despite so much promising approach play all too often the final ball was lacking as hard working opponents intercepted passes, blocked shots while other shots flew off target and Lairds goalkeeper Nathan Davidson made several good saves.
Even when Rylands got the ball past Davidson, the woodwork came to Lairds rescue, Callum Dolan’s chip rebounded off an upright and Dave Webb’s 28th minute penalty, awarded after Kane Drummond had been tripped, also struck a post and bounced to safety.
The NWCFL First Division side rarely ventured over into Rylands territory as the game was played almost exclusively in and around their penalty area, and the second half followed a similar fashion.
Davidson produced two good saves in the opening minutes of the second half to deny Dolan and Andy Scarisbrick but could not prevent Brooke converting from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after Drummond was once again brought down in the area.
Despite recording their first win of the 2022 pre-season campaign, manger Dave McNabb was disappointed with the overall performance but was happy to get more minutes in his player’s legs.
WARRINGTON RYLANDS: McCall Walker Hunt Gerrard Egerton Buxton Irwin Scarisbrick Webb Dolan Drummond; Subs: Neild Morris Langley Barrigan Brooke.
Warrington Rylands next pre-season game is on Tuesday evening when they welcome National League North Chorley to Gorsey Lane. Kick off is 7.45pm and admission is FREE.
Here is today's winning goal scored from the spot by @ryanbrooke10 with his first Rylands goal.#WeAreRylands pic.twitter.com/dzgjsZJLns
— Warrington Rylands FC (@RylandsFC) July 16, 2022
