Alsager Town 2 Rylands 1

A HOST of missed chances proved costly for Rylands as they fell to their first defeat of the North West Counties League season.

Rhys Bowers was on target for Blues as they went in level at half-time, but hosts Alsager Town found a winner in the second half.

The result leaves Rylands tenth in the embryonic First Division South table, and co-manager Dave McNabb says they should have taken something from the game.

"I thought we started the game brightly and looked really dangers, particularly from wide areas,” he said.

“Unfortunately we didn't take any of the early chances we created and Alsager scored following some poor defending.

“We reacted well and equalised quickly after a good passing move and a decent finish by Rhys.

“We were hoping that would push on to get another before the interval, but that wasn't to be.

“The second half continued in similar fashion with us 'huffing and puffing' but squandering numerous chances.

“Alsager had a chance of their own, which they took well with fifteen minutes to go, and we couldn't get ourselves back on level terms.

“Overall, we're disappointed not to take something from the game but full credit to our hosts who worked really hard, defended well and took their chances.

“We move on and look forward to our first home game of the season next week."

Blues made a lively start as player/co-manager Stuart Wellstead and George Riley came close, but it was Alsager who took the lead midway through the first half through Jack Edwards.

However, Rylands were level just two minutes later when a good move found Bowers inside the area and he slammed home left-footed.

Wellstead headed Brad Williams’ free kick over just before the break before hitting the crossbar with a long-range drive seven minutes after the restart.

Tony Sayer sent another header over the bar as Rylands continued to dominate, before Wellstead forced the Alsager keeper into a fine save.

To make matters worse, the hosts retook the lead when Blues did not deal with a free kick and Mazn Amhamed ghosted in at the far post to convert.

Blues were unable to force and equaliser and now move on to their first home game of the season on Saturday when they welcome Wythenshawe Town to Gorsey Lane, kick off 3pm.

Rylands: McCall, Tree (Boothman), Williams, Kenny, Lownsborough, Sayer, Riley (Parry), Wolhuter, Bowers, Wellstead, McMillan. Subs not used: Costello, Colford, Ablett.