“FANTASTIC from start to finish” was the verdict of Rylands manager Dave McNabb as his side won in the Bank Holiday Monday sun.

With Gorsey Lane bathed in glorious weather, Blues held on for a 2-1 win over Ashton Athletic – aided by a goal in the very first minute from George Lomax.

Tom Freeman doubled the lead on the counter-attack with 10 minutes remaining and despite a Dale Butler penalty reducing the arrears for the visitors, Rylands kept their unbeaten league record intact.

McNabb praised his side’s defending but thinks a more clinical edge would have seen them further clear.

"A great win in very tiring conditions. I thought the lads were fantastic from start to finish and gave us the performance we asked for,” he said.

“We created lots of chances early on and perhaps should have been two or three up within the first half-hour.

“Fair play to Ashton though, who put us under huge pressure at the end of the first half and were the better side in the second. They moved the ball very well and their movement was exceptional.

“Our lads dug in deep and defended brilliantly and we managed to get the all-important second goal via a fantastic counter-attack.

“A very pleasing day all round."

Blues are in FA Vase action on Saturday as they welcome Athersley Recreation to Gorsey Lane, kick off 3pm

Rylands: McCall, Davies (Lownsborough), Freeman, Jones, Shaw, Lees, Gerrard, Wolhulter, Potter (White), Lomax (Scarisbrick), McNamara