Rylands revival inspires Parr (From Warrington Guardian)

Rylands revival inspires Parr

10:34am Thursday 7th February 2013 in Football

RYLANDS FC made a winning return to Cheshire Football Division One action after a three-week bad weather break, fighting back from a deficit to beat second-place Whaley Bridge 4-2.

Despite falling behind to a goal after just 50 seconds, ninth-placed Rylands recovered to produce an excellent display and snatch a late victory thanks to ‘super sub’ Craig Smith’s late brace.

Manager Dave Parr said: “I thought the lads showed real character after the worst possible start. “The attitude and desire not to be beaten was tremendous and I thought we played some very good football at times to thoroughly deserve the three points.”

Scott Bakkor’s deft first touch allowed the youngster to fire Rylands level, before a deflected shot from the same player fell kindly for Dave Collard to put his side ahead for the first time in the game.

Morris once again got on the scoresheet early in the second half to restore parity, but there was still plenty of time for Rylands’ substitute Smith to make his mark on the game, as he twice combined with the impressive Bakkor to fire a second-half brace worthy of winning any game.

Elsewhere in Division One, fourth-placed Eagle Sports sit two points behind Middlewich with six games in hand following their 2-1 win away at Grappenhall Sports, made by goals from Nathan Williams and Ged McAllister.

In Division Two, Golborne Sports fell to a 3-0 defeat to visiting Maine Road Reserves, while Moore United and Daten suffered a similarly one-sided defeats in 4-0 losses to Sandbach United and Malpas respectively.

In the Reserve Division, Rylands’ second string were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Warrington-based neighbours Greenalls PSO, thanks to goals from John Leatherbarrow and former Rylands manager Andy Moore.

Third-place Styal were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Grappenhall Sports, while Whaley Bridge continued their run of good form as they closed the gap on fourth-placed Eagle Sports to two points after beating them 4-1.

Gamesley and Daten shared the points in an end-to-end 3-3 draw.