St Martins 2 Rylands 0

CO-MANAGER David McNabb rued a “massively disappointing and frustrating” performance from his Rylands side as they surrendered top spot in the North West Counties League First Division South.

Opponents St Martins deposed them after ending the Gorsey Lane side’s five-match winning streak on Saturday.

Rylands were made to pay for mistakes in defence and missed chances in attack, but McNabb is confident things will improve ahead of Saturday’s trip to Abbey Hulton United – who take over from them as new First Division South leaders – in the First Division Cup.

“Full respect goes to St Martins, who are a good side and will certainly be there or thereabouts this year,” he said.

“We missed a number of chances to take the lead before conceding a pretty soft goal.

“We wanted the lads to really grab the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half, and in the first 10 minutes or so it looked like we were going to.

“Unfortunately, the momentum seemed to fade without us getting that all-important breakthrough.

“Overall, it was a massively disappointing and frustrating performance and we all know we need to put it right next week.”

Karl Bailey and Brendan Price were the goalscorers for St Martins as the Shropshire side ensured Rylands dropped to third in the table.

Blues' next league game sees them travel to New Mills on Saturday, October 13.

Rylands: Holmes, Woolley, Parry (Williams), Kenny, Lownsborough, Moran (Croughan), Riley, Wolhulter, White, Wellstead, Gerrard. Subs not used: Jones, Ablett, Smith.