BY GARRY CLARKE
CONCEDING late goals in both of their festive fixtures Rylands FC emerged from their Christmas derby games against Cheshire rivals Runcorn Town and 1874 Northwich with just a single point to show for their efforts.
Leading after 90 minutes Rylands had to settle for a point on Boxing Day conceding an equaliser deep into stoppage time.
Manager Dave McNabb said after the game: ”Frustrating result today, missed far too many chances throughout the game and ultimately invited Runcorn on to us, then poor defending for their equaliser Taking nothing away from Runcorn who are good strong side and deserved their goal”.
Rylands created numerous goal scoring opportunities, especially in the first half, but had to wait until the 61st minute before opening the scoring. Freddie Potter received the ball 25 yards from goal and drilled a shot low into the bottom corner of the net.
Runcorn having had a penalty saved in the first half by Rylands goalkeeper Graeme McCall leveled the scores four minutes into added time when substitute Deklan Hill bundled the ball over the line from close range during a goalmouth scramble.
Level at 1-1 with just two minutes to play on Saturday Rylands defence was breached again from a corner, James Ormrod heading home the deciding goal in the Blues 2-1 defeat against league leaders 1874 Northwich.
A much changed Rylands team, missing nine regular players, fell behind in the 24th minute, Lee Knight opening the scoring before Kane Drummond equalised on the stroke of half time.
After the game McNabb said: “Absolutely gutted to lose that today. 74 are a brilliant side and had more possession but I thought we created the better chances 2nd half and more than deserved a point. Couldn’t be prouder of the lads for their effort and performance today”.
Rylands ended a memorable 2019 fifth in the NWCFL Premier Division table, six points adrift of the 3rd promotion spot. They kick off 2020 on Saturday by hosting Litherland RMYCA at Gorsey Lane, kick off 3pm.
