Rylands 2 Greenalls PSO 1

DEBUTANT Mark Keddie inspired Rylands to a derby victory on Saturday when they saw off Greenalls at Gorsey Lane.

After He opened the scoring just before the half-hour for the Blues, then set up Matt Ball to double their lead late on.

Ben Slater converted a penalty in injury time for the visitors, but it did not stop Rylands moving level on points with them in the Cheshire Football League’s Premier Division.

Afterwards, Rylands boss Darren Davies was full of praise for the impact of his new recruit, who only received clearance to play the game on Friday after joining from Colwyn Bay.

“I was made up with the desire and work-rate from the lads,” he said.

“Keddie showed the quality that we brought him in for and made a huge contribution to us winning the game.

“I thought that we could have been a bit better with the ball, but we limited to Greenalls to very little all game which I’m delighted with.

“It’s a good win for us, and I hope we’ll kick on from here.”

The hosts started brightly, with Jordan Rigby looking lively when he curled a free-kick narrowly wide before coming close again with a drive from outside the area.

Greenalls weren’t without chances, and Ben McWilliams came close to opening the scoring when his shot on the turn fell just wide.

However, it was Keddie who blew the game open when he fired an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner.

With a lead to protect, Rylands were quite happy to play on the counter attack and the game was keenly-fought in midfield without too much goalmouth action.

Michael Sullivan and James Sinker looked dangerous off the bench for the hosts before they eventually doubled their lead with seven minutes of normal time remaining.

Keddie slipped a superb pass through for Ball, and his drive found the Greenalls net via a deflection for the crucial second goal.

Greenalls refused to lie down, however, and Rylands keeper Craig Purnell gave away a penalty in stoppage time.

Slater scored it, but the visitors could not force an equaliser and Rylands were able to celebrate a ‘derby’ triumph.

Both sides are in Guardian Cup second round action this weekend, when Rylands welcome Avon Athletic to Gorsey Lane.

Greenalls will look to arrest a run of five winless games when they host Hatton Arms.