Rylands 3 Wythenshawe Town 0

WINNING their first ever North West Counties League home game “speaks volumes” about the character in the Rylands dressing room, player/co-manager Stuart Wellstead says.

Blues had to ride out some early pressure but went on to record a convincing victory over fellow promoted side Wythenshawe Town at Gorsey Lane on Saturday.

A debut goal from Tom Croughan and further strikes from Brad Williams and Alex McMillan ensured a second victory in three games for Rylands in the First Division South.

“We started slowly. Wythenshawe put us under a lot of pressure and on another day, we could have been a goal or two down,” Wellstead said.

“Once we took the lead, we felt like there would only be one winner from there.

“Our game management was fantastic and although they still knocked on the door, we defended fantastically as a team.

“To withstand such pressure from the start and to go on and win by such a margin speaks volumes for the character we have in the dressing room.”

Blues keeper Conor Yarwood was forced into an excellent save and Wythenshawe hit the bar before the hosts took the lead when Croughan – signed on dual registration from Widnes – rifled home after Steve Boothman’s cross caused a scramble.

That was how it stayed until the break, and Yarwood was again called into action to preserve his clean sheet as the second half began.

However, once Williams headed in Wellstead’s cross, Rylands were more comfortable.

Wellstead played a role once again in his side’s third goal by playing in McMillan, who rounded off a ruthless counter attack to seal the points.

Blues are at home again on Saturday as they welcome Cheadle Town to Gorsey Lane, kick off 3pm.

Rylands: Yarwood, Williams (Riley), Molyneux, Kenny, Lownsborough, Sayer, Jones (McMillan), Wolhulter, Croughan, Wellstead, Boothman (Costello). Subs not used: Parry, Vaughan.