SUPER sub Tom Gibson’s late winner stole Rylands the bragging rights in a midweek ‘derby’ clash dominated by Eagle Sports.
Danny Salt’s side clinched a 1-0 win thanks to Gibson’s strike in the 84th minute and keeper Matt Latham's heroics at Thornton Road.
The win sent Rylands level on points with Knutsford at the top of the Cheshire League Premier Division, while Eagle sit 11th with two wins from their first five games.
"After the win on Saturday we went in to the derby against Eagle full of confidence,” said Salt.
“If you were at the game, you would probably have said that Eagle were the better team!
“The first half was a one-sided affair, they put us under huge amounts of pressure and we have a great deal of thanks to pay to our goalkeeper, Matt Latham, and the woodwork for keeping us in the game.
“We improved in the second half, but still didn't perform to the standards that I expect. The game went on and with Eagle continuing to miss chances, it took one bit of quality from Gibbo to steal the three points.
“Throughout this season we will play a lot better than this and lose, so I'll take the three points and run!"
Manager Rob Hope praised his players’ performance and said he couldn't ask for much more, except a goal which Eagle, through luck or a great goalkeeping performance, could not manage on the night.
It was the hosts who were managing the game better in the first 20 minutes, playing direct and working hard to create crossing opportunities to striker Owen Ellis.
The sky blues produced several opportunities, causing Rylands big problems but failed to capitalise and find the back of the net.
Rylands' first opportunity came on 23 minutes when Odi Koubemba flicked on a header that Connor Anderson ran on to, but the number 10 could only shoot wide of Craig Clare's goal.
Eagle could have opened the scoring shortly after the half hour, but Nathan Williams’ fine strike from the edge of the area smashed against the crossbar and bounced to safety.
Rylands had a chance from distance of their own but Scott Beckett fired wide.
The visitors battled hard throughout the half but offered little in attack as the home defence were well organised, despite missing regular centre backs Craig Hall, Richard Chinn and Jon Shakeshaft.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first, but Rylands changed to a more direct style of play.
It was the change in tactics that led to a defensive mix-up on 55 minutes, but Tom Swann fired straight at Clare when well placed.
Eagle however continued to bang on the door, hitting the post and forcing Matt Latham in to four fine saves.
The hosts had Rylands under huge pressure, forcing corners and free kicks almost every time they went on the attack.
However, on 84 minutes the deadlock was broken and it was against the run of play when a long clearance from the Rylands backline led to uncertainty between the Eagle defence and goalkeeper, allowing substitute Gibson to latch on the loose ball and slammed it past Clare to steal the three points.
It could have been two for the visitors, with long range efforts from Andy Williams and Beckett coming close late on.
Eagle almost levelled in stoppage time but the outstanding Latham was on hand to again deny the hosts and secure victory for Rylands, whose unbeaten start to the season now stretches to five games.
Eagle: Clare, R Bishop, Sherlock, Coleman, C Bishop, Nixon, Waldron, Rudge, Ellis, L Boardman, N Williams. Subs: Maher, Stratulis, McAllister, Robinson.
Rylands: M Latham, Hunter, Dagley, Sinker (Gibson 77), Wilson, S Latham, A Williams, Beckett, Koubemba (Preston 68), Anderson (Freeman '33), Swann
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