RYLANDS remain fourth in the top flight after securing three points in their first league outing since early December.

A 4-2 victory was secured when a Josh Dagley set piece was headed home by returning substitute James Daniels after 70 minutes.

Top scorer Odi Koubemba headed home a Tom Swann cross for the eighth-minute opener and restored a lead after being put through by Stephen Latham in the 22nd minute.

Kris Bell lobbed keeper Alan Osborne to make it 3-1 but Styal kept in the hunt with Stuart Maylett's second goal shortly before the break.

“After what’s turned out to be a very long winter break, I was delighted to return to winning ways with a good 4-2 against a tough Styal team," said manager Danny Salt.

"As expected, it took the lads a while to get into the full swing of the game, but I was impressed with how we passed the ball and retained possession throughout most of the match.

"We scored four very good goals but I was disappointed in the two we conceded. I’ll put them down to rustiness!

"I was made up to be able to welcome Ben Howard and James Daniels back to the squad after long injury lay-offs and was particularly pleased for Jimmy to find the net. We now look forward to a home fixture against Linotype Cheadle.”

After top scorer Koubemba had headed home from a move started by Latham, a defensive mix up allowed Maylett to knock home the leveller from 12 yards with the home side’s first effort of the game.

Styal’s goal brought confidence and the hosts were creating more openings.

However, Rylands were looking dangerous on the break and Latham again brought the ball out well before sliding Koubemba in behind and he made no mistake to finish well.

Bell almost made it 3-1 on 37 minutes but was thwarted by a sensational save from Osborne.

Shortly after the striker made no mistake after a super diagonal ball over the top allowed him to lob the on rushing 'keeper.

Styal kept plugging away though and a weak deflected shot fell to Maylett who netted his second of the match from 10 yards after 44 minutes.

Typical of what was a thrilling first half, there was still time for Rylands to create two more great chances with one opportunity displaying the fantastic link up play of Koubemba and Bell.

It was Koubemba's back flick from a one-two that enabled Bell to let fly, again forcing another good save from Osborne.

The second half didn’t quite live up to the excitement of the first, although the visitors displayed some great football at times that led to efforts for Bell, Koubemba and Tom Swann.

Rylands were able to settle matters through Daniels and the last 20 minutes went by without much to report, as both sides perhaps ran out of steam after such a long lay-off.

Rylands: Matt Latham, Tom Gibson, Josh Dagley, Dave France, Calum Wilson (James Daniels 64mins), Stephen Latham, Tom Swann, Lee Roberts, Kris Bell (Sean Preston 64mins), Odi Koubemba, Ben Latham (Ben Howard 59mins).