Grange Sports 2
Rylands 0

GRANGE Sports are through to the last eight of the Guardian Cup after defeating Rylands in an absorbing match.

Scott Robinson put Grange in front from the penalty spot after he had been brought down with 10 minutes to go.

Three minutes later the outcome was sealed as Joe Green broke free down the wing and beat advancing keeper Andy Moor.

The committed and hard-working Warrington and District League side deserved their win against Cheshire League opponents, who were a constant threat in the second half.

Grange did make inroads into an organised Rylands defence before their goals came but could not make the most of a number of chances created.

They defended superbly, epitomised by a match-sav

ing clearance off the goal line by Danny Dobbs when Rylands looked to be trying to take control of the tie with 15 minutes remaining.

And keeper Mitch Moores produced some good saves as Rylands threatened on the counter attack in the first period.

Rylands went into the tie in good form but rated their performance on the day ‘lacklustre’.

Dave Parr, the Rylands manager, said: “We are all disappointed with the level of performance which the players know was nowhere near good enough.

“On such a tight pitch against very committed opponents it was always going to be a tricky tie, but the players are experienced enough to know what to expect and have to do much better if we are to progress as a group.

“The lads have been on a great run recently and have played some excellent attacking football which we must return to and quickly.”

Grange: Moores, Rourke, Dolphin, Dobbs, Burton, Challinor, Green, Rudge, Hall, Rigby, Robinson. Subs: Ferrigan, Mannion.

Rylands: Moor, Parr, Green, J Sinker, Prescott, Lowe, Hayes, Jennings, Bell, Daniels, Dermody. Sub: Williams.