RYLANDS boss Darren Davies says he was “devastated” by his side’s 3-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Rudheath Social in the Cheshire Premier Division on Saturday.

The reverse at Gorsey Lane was Rylands’ third in a row, made worse by the fact they had taken the lead thanks to Jordan Rigby’s free-kick.

However, a hat-trick from Steven Hughes ensured the Northwich-based strugglers left with the points and Davies said his team “lost their desire” after conceding the equaliser.

Davies describes Saturday’s Guardian Cup clash with Eagle Sports as “massive” as they seek to bounce back.

“I was devastated with the result. We started really well and should have been out of sight after half an hour,” he said.

“After conceding the first goal, we lost our desire which is frankly unacceptable.

“We need to work hard in training this week and put the recent dip in form right against Eagle Sports in the Guardian Cup, which is a massive game in the context of our season.”

Eagle will also go into the game on the back of a defeat as they lost 3-0 at Whaley Bridge, while Greenalls PSO drew 0-0 at Denton Town.

In League One, Warrington Town Reserves remain top after John Edge’s goal gave them a 1-0 win at Egerton.

Daten were beaten 2-0 at second-placed Billinge, while Grappenhall Sports suffered a 4-0 home defeat to Middlewich Town.

Moore United were grateful to a Sean Bennett equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Unicorn Athletic in League Two, while Orford advanced in the Northern Cup with a 2-0 win at The Ivy thanks to a Gabe McInnes double.

Meanwhile, Rylands hosted the FA at this week to put on a safeguarding children workshop for the club coaches and committee.

The specially arranged course delivered a three-hour workshop, to raise awareness about the issues around safeguarding children.

Cheshire League fixtures, Saturday, kick off 2pm:

Premier Division: Rudheath Social v Greenalls PSO.

League One: Grappenhall Sports v Mersey Valley, Halebank v Warrington Town reserves.

President’s Cup: Moore United v Pilkington.

Guardian Cup: Rylands v Eagle Sports, Daten v Vulcan.

Northern Cup: Maine Road reserves v Orford.