Rylands 3 Eagle Sports 1

MANAGER Darren Davies said his Rylands side “never gave up” as they came from behind to beat neighbours Eagle Sports in a thrilling Guardian Cup quarter-final.

After trailing at the break to James Waldron’s goal, Jordan Rigby missed a penalty for Blues before James Daniels forced extra-time with a last-minute equaliser.

Goals from Mark Keddie and Matt Ball completed the turnaround to seal Rylands’ place in the last four in front of a crowd over more than 130 spectators at Gorsey Lane.

Eagle had goalscorer Waldron and goalkeeper Matt Latham sent off with the score at 1-0 to end the game with nine men, while Rylands finished a man light after Michael Sullivan was dismissed in extra-time.

“I thought it wasn't going to be our day, but credit to the lads who never gave up and got their reward,” Davies said.

“You could see how much it meant to us all and in extra time we just had too much for them with nine men.

“We have a semi-final to look forward to but more importantly, we've got big league fixtures coming up and I hope we can continue to play with this attitude, desire and quality.

“I'm really proud of the team today and look forward to a busy month ahead, which we can now go in to with confidence.”

Daten also made it through to the final four of the Guardian Cup with a 3-1 victory over Warrington and District Premier Division side Vulcan.

Goals from Jack Challinor, Michael Leigh and Christian Lawlor were enough to secure safe passage for the Atoms.

Burtonwood Albion and Halton Borough’s quarter-final clash was postponed on Saturday, while Greenalls PSO are due to host Bold Rangers in the other last-eight tie on Saturday, March 11.