RYLANDS returned to action on Saturday after a two-week lay-off to score a 2-1 victory away at Gamesley.

Ben Howard opened the scoring with a headed effort on the hour mark, before Tom Swann added a free kick.

Jamie Baker made things interesting, netting for the hosts shortly before the end.

Both sides went in to the encounter having made strong starts to the season, Gamesley came in to the fixture on the back of five consecutive wins.

The first half didn't see much in terms of chances created for either team with only speculative efforts from distance to report.

The game was a real battle in the middle of the park, with both sets of midfielders competing well to win the ball and gain control of the match.

It was Tom Swann for the Blues who looked the most likely to create a chance, tormenting his full-back all afternoon.

It took until the second half for the game to open up, and on the hour mark Rylands were rewarded for their persistence going forward when a fine team move involving four players led to Josh Dagley's cross being met by Ben Howard, whose looping header found the back of the net from 15 yards.

Shortly after, the lead was doubled.

The ever-dangerous inter-league representative, Tom Swann curled a superb free kick in to the top corner from 25 yards.

At this point the Blues were in complete control of the tie, hitting on the counter attack as the hosts looked to find a way back in to the game.

The contest being interesting for the last few minutes, when Jamie Baker netted in injury time for Gamesley.

However, Rylands held on to secure a vital three points which sees them move back up to second in the Cheshire League Premier Division, three points behind leaders, Knutsford.

Rylands: Matt Latham, Adam Hunter, Josh Dagley, David France, Calum Wilson, Stephen Latham, Andrew Williams (Ryan Matthews '75), Ben Howard (Odi Koubemba '65), Connor Anderson, Scott Beckett (James Sinker '55), Tom Swann.