Rylands 5 Gamesley 1

BOSS Danny Salt labelled his Rylands side 'outstanding' as they beat Gamesley to reach the JB Parker League Cup quarter finals.

Goals from Connor Anderson, Tom Swann, a Tom Gibson double and Haydn Fraser set up a last-eight meeting at Denton next month.

"At times in the game we were outstanding and we dominated from the outset, playing some of the best football we’ve produced all season," said Salt.

“I’m really pleased to have made the quarter finals of the league cup at the expense of what is a very good Gamesley side.

“At half time, leading 2-0, we told the lads to keep up the intensity and they did.

“We could easily have scored eight or nine.

“We’ve been drawn away at Denton Town in the next round, which we are sure will be a tough trip, but it’s one that both I and the lads are looking forward to.

“We go again in the County Cup next week against MSB Woolton, looking to keep our good run of form going.

“Again, I’d like to thank everyone who came along to support the lads, it’s appreciated by all of us.”

Blues came out of the blocks quickly and were getting in behind the Gamesley back line regularly, with Tom Gibson proving a real threat from the right hand side.

Gibson was firing dangerous crosses in to the box but none could find a final touch home, the closest came from Kurt McCarthy after 15 minutes when he couldn’t quite stretch far enough to slide in from close range.

Dave France forced the first real goal-scoring opportunity on 23 minutes, but his header was brilliantly saved by the Gamesley stopper.

The hosts however were building pressure and the deadlock was finally broken on 38 minutes when Connor Anderson fired home a free kick and the second quickly followed when Chris Brown slid in Swann, who finished well.

Kurt McCarthy missed a golden opportunity from close range after latching on to Swann’s cross, before Gibson made it 3-0, smashing home on the angle in the 57th minute.

Rylands introduced all three substitutes on the hour mark, giving first appearances of the season to Ben Latham and Haydn Fraser who have both been in good form for the Reserves in recent weeks.

The number of changes disjointed Rylands, however and Gamesley scored in the 62nd minute, firing home from a free kick.

The hosts were quick to regain control after a Gamesley reply and further goal-scoring opportunities came when Scott Beckett’s left footed curler shot just past the far post, before substitutes Latham and Fraser both forced the keeper into action.

The blues thought they’d made it four with 15 minutes remaining, but Tom Swann forced the save of the match from the Gamesley custodian when his flick volley was acrobatically tipped over the crossbar.

As the full time whistle drew close, Rylands continued to pile forward and the fourth came in 85th minute when Gibson rifled home his second of the game from the edge of the box.

The hosts found time for another in injury time, when debutant Fraser turned home Swann’s wayward shot to make it five.

Next up for Rylands is a Liverpool Saturday Challenge Cup clash at Liverpool outfit MSB Woolton on Saturday.

Rylands: Matt Latham, Tom Gibson, Josh Dagley (Ben Latham 60), David France, Calum Wilson, Stephen Latham, Tom Swann, Chris Brown, Connor Anderson (Haydn Fraser 60), Scott Beckett, Kurt McCarthy (Lee Hughes 60).