Rylands 2 Denton Town 2

ONLY one point from two games has cost Rylands as they bid to close the gap on the leading bunch in the Cheshire League Premier Division.

Rylands managed a draw against lowly Denton Town a week after the 5-0 home loss to reigning champions Linotype Cheadle HN.

They sit fourth on the ladder, eight points behind leaders Congleton Vale with games in hand on all teams above them.

Rylands led 2-0 at the 71st minute mark at Gorsey Lane on Saturday courtesy of a 35-yard screamer from Stephen Latham and a penalty stuck home by Scott Beckett.

"I was disappointed to come away with a draw after playing fairly well on a heavy pitch in poor weather conditions," said manager Danny Salt.

"Instead of filling us with confidence, the second goal appeared to spur on Denton and they began to throw the kitchen sink at us.

"We conceded two very sloppy goals and if we are to move forward we need to improve and start keeping clean sheets again.

"After a heavy defeat last week it was good to see the lads play well for the most part of the game which gives us something to work with moving forward."

Salt made several changes, including a full debut for new signing Daniel Sisson, and started the game brightly.

Centre back Latham's stunning 35-yard drive flew into the top corner in the 12th minute and Tom Swann had an effort cleared off the line as Rylands went close again.

Denton adjusted to the pouring rain and got a foothold in the game, although the blues doubled their lead when Ben Latham was brought down and the impressive Beckett hammered home the spot kick.

Three minutes later Denton were back in it after keeper Matt Latham's challenge resulted in the ball deflecting off the attacker and into an empty net.

Seven minutes from time a cross from the right caught the wind and looped over keeper Latham to seal the draw.