MIDFIELDER Charlie Doyle cut a despondent figure after Covid-19 hit Warrington Rylands lost 3-0 at promotion rivals Leek Town but he was clear on how the side need to prepare for their next outing against 1874 Northwich on bank holiday Monday, December 27.

"We just need to stick together," he said.

"We're still up there in the table. We still know our goals. We can't dwell on it because you're going to win and lose games all year, so we'll get together as a group, pick ourselves up and get the three points in the next game."

Warrington Guardian: Leek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John HopkinsLeek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John Hopkins

Jack Hook was manager for the day in the absence of Dave McNabb, with Rylands heading to Staffordshire second in Northern Premier League West on the back of three successive wins in which they had scored 17 goals.

There were mitigating circumstances behind Saturday's disappointing performance and Doyle felt the side were unlucky to concede what proved to be a killer second goal by Rob Stevenson in the 55th minute.

Warrington Guardian: Leek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John HopkinsLeek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John Hopkins

"It was another big game and it's very difficult to take," he said.

"We had our backs to the wall before the game with lads out due to Covid and the gaffer wasn't here.

"And then Joe Coveney went off after the first 10 to 15 minutes.

"I thought we were decent when Joe was playing but he went off and the dimensions of the game completely changed. Nothing against the lads coming on, but it's difficult to come back when you have lost one of your better players.

Warrington Guardian: Leek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John HopkinsLeek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John Hopkins

"Joe was a massive miss, arguably the best ball player in our league in that position so he gets us playing.

"Leek's first goal wasn't a bad one to be fair and then we were chasing the game a little bit.

"The lads came back out in the second half and in the first 10 to 15 minutes we had them on the ropes and nearly scored but the ball didn't go in. It was potentially a different game if it had.

Warrington Guardian: Leek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John HopkinsLeek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John Hopkins

"Leek went to the other end and got a lucky goal. Podge (goalkeeper Graeme McCall) made a great save but it ricocheted off the lad who scored and I don't think he knew about it. It was a long way back from there."

Daniel Trickett-Smith was the man who netted Leek's opener on their artificial pitch in the 20th minute, while Jessy Bavanganga wrapped up the scoring in the 71st minute.

Rylands slipped to third in the table, having been leaped by Workington, and are now eight points adrift of leaders Marine who also have a game in hand.

Warrington Guardian: Leek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John HopkinsLeek v Warrington Rylands. Picture: John Hopkins