WITH the North West Counties League season now in full swing, Rylands are beginning to flex their muscles.

Jay White’s goal on the stroke of half-time was enough to secure a 1-0 victory at Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday evening, with the striker firing home after player co-manager Stuart Wellstead’s effort was saved.

The victory sent them back to the top of the First Division South and was their ninth in 12 league games so far.

Blues are in a three-way tie with Abbey Hulton United and Cheadle Heath Nomads for the leadership, but have played fewer games than both of their rivals.

The win at Vauxhall came after they marked their first home game for five weeks with a crushing victory over Carlisle City in the Macron Sports Cup.

With the game goalless at the break, there was a flurry of second-half action at Gorsey Lane as Steve Boothman fired a hat-trick for the hosts, with Tom Croughan adding two more goals to ensure a 5-1 victory.

“We were under the cosh for the first 15 minutes or so until we started to grow in to the game. As the half went on, we started to see more of the ball,” co-manager David McNabb said after Saturday’s game.

“We spoke at half-time about being positive and the lads took complete control.

“From the moment we opened the scoring less than ten minutes in to the half, there only looked like one team would go on to win it.

“We were fantastic. It was a great result against a very strong side.”

They have been drawn to host Cheadle Heath Nomads in the next round, with the tie taking place on Saturday, November 10.

Before then Rylands have two more games this coming week as they aim to build on the platform they have built for themselves.

They welcome Barnton to Gorsey Lane on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, before making the long trip to FC Oswestry Town on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.