Warrington Rylands' run to the FA Vase Final

A run spanning nine matches, three penalty shoot-outs and two national lockdowns finally ends with a meeting with Binfield under the famous arch.

Ahead of their FA Vase Final, here's a look back at how they got there...

Daisy Hill 2 Warrington Rylands 5

First qualifying round, September 19, 2020

Blues had way too much for lower-ranked Daisy Hill on this balmy September day, with Kane Drummond hitting the net twice.

Despite there being a big FA Cup trip to Whitby Town on the horizon, Dave McNabb did not allow minds to wander as his side did a professional job.

Tom Freeman, Charlie Doyle and Freddie Potter were also on the scoresheet against the Bolton-based side as the road to Wembley kicked off in style.

Tom Freeman scores the first goal of Warrington Rylands' FA Vase run against Daisy Hill back in September. Picture by Mark Percy

Warrington Rylands 6 Goole AFC 0

Second qualifying round, October 10, 2020

If their win at Daisy Hill was emphatic, the dismantling of Northern Counties East Football League side Goole was even more so.

Indeed, they could have even hit double figures were it not for visiting keeper Matt Zaniewski being in inspired form.

Potter had already put them a goal up when Goole had Jordan Emery sent off for a dangerous tackle on Elliot Morris, and Blues were ruthless in taking advantage.

Drummond again scored twice, with Paul Shanley adding a brace and a further strike from Ste Milne ensured their place in the main draw.

Paul Shanley hammers home one of his two goals against Goole. Picture by Mark Percy

Warrington Rylands 2 Padiham 0

First round proper, October 31, 2020

On the day Boris Johnson announced England would be going into a second national lockdown, Blues ensured progress in the Vase remained serene.

Graeme McCall's penalty-saving prowess came to the fore – something that would play an even bigger part further down the line – as he saved Mark Ayres' spot kick with the game still goalless.

In the end, two goals from Elliot Nevitt was enough to see them through the second round.

At that time, though, whether they would get the chance to play that game was in serious doubt.

Elliot Nevitt scores against Padiham. Picture by Mark Percy

Jarrow 1 Warrington Rylands 1 (Rylands won 5-4 on penalties)

Second round proper, December 12, 2020

Lockdown was over – for now – and the road to Wembley took them to their first of four meetings with Northern League sides.

In a game played a week later than scheduled due to inclement weather, McNabb's men looked set for victory when Doyle put them ahead just after half-time.

Failing to make the most of their several opportunities came back to haunt them, however, when home skipper Jordon Mellish forced a penalty shoot-out with a 96th-minute equaliser.

When Potter missed his spot-kick, Rylands were a successful Jarrow penalty away from being knocked out but once again, McCall kept them in it.

The big goalkeeper came good again to save when the hosts had to score, sparking scenes that would become familiar.

Graeme McCall is mobbed by teammates after the penalty shoot-out win over Jarrow. Picture by Mark Percy

Warrington Rylands 2 Longridge Town 1

Third round proper, December 19, 2020

They did not know it at the time, but this would be the last game Rylands would play for four months.

With Lancashire under Tier 3 restrictions prohibiting crowds at games, what was supposed to be an away tie at Longridge was switched to Gorsey Lane.

It got off to the perfect start with Drummond gave them the lead inside the first minute on his 20th birthday.

Just five minutes later, however, the Blues forward was sent off for foul and abusive language to leave his side facing 84 minutes with 10 men.

They made light of their disadvantage initially as Milne doubled their lead and although the visitors forced a nervy finish, Rylands heroically held on.

Kane Drummond's 20th birthday saw him score inside the first minute against Longridge Town before being sent off shortly afterwards. Picture by Mark Percy

Shildon AFC 0 Warrington Rylands 0 (Rylands won 5-4 on penalties)

Fourth round proper, April 17, 2021

Covid forced the curtailment of the North West Counties League season, but their Vase progress earned Blues the privilege of being able to return to action after the third national lockdown.

On several occasions, they came desperately close to it being a one-off comeback but thanks to McCall's happy knack of saving penalties, they made this their longest ever run in the competition.

Blues rode their luck in normal time, with McCall keeping out an early Dean Thexton penalty before the hosts enjoyed the better of the chances.

The goalkeeper once again had to drag his side back from the brink in the shoot-out, saving from Daniel Moore after Warren Gerrard had seen his effort kept out.

When the man affectionately known as "Podge" denied Adam Heywood's do-or-die kick, the celebrations could begin.

Graeme McCall celebrates saving the crucial penalty at Shildon. Picture by Mark Percy

Warrington Rylands 1 West Auckland Town 1 (Rylands won 3-1 on penalties)

Fifth round proper, April 24, 2021

If they were a tad fortunate to take the last tie to penalties, the boot was on the other foot on this occasion.

Blues were dominant in the Gorsey Lane sunshine and Shanley's second-half tap-in looked set to give them a deserved win against a West Auckland side only in the competition after North Ferriby – the side who had dumped them out thanks to a 4-0 win – were thrown out after fielding an ineligible player.

However, when the visitors were presented with an equaliser as a corner cannoned into the net off the unfortunate Joe Denman, it appeared a higher power was smiling on them.

Their luck ran out in the shoot-out, though, as Blues were in control from the moment McCall saved Anthony Bell's penalty.

Dennis Knight then missed the target and with Shanley, Nevitt and Joe Coveney all having scored for Blues, up stepped their keeper again to save from Arran Thompson.

The celebrations that followed after the shoot-out win over West Auckland. Picture by Mike Boden

Warrington Rylands 1 Hebburn Town 0

Quarter final, May 8, 2021

Another quirk in this strangest of seasons brought the newly-crowned FA Vase winners to Gorsey Lane in the last eight.

Hebburn had their Wembley moment five days before this tie, and it was clear their exploits in winning the delayed 2019-20 final made this a bridge too far.

In what was another tight, tense affair, Nevitt's winner on the hour mark proved enough to take Blues to the brink of glory.

The celebrations that followed Elliott Nevitt's winning goal against Hebburn Town. Picture by Mark Percy

Warrington Rylands 2 Walsall Wood 1

Semi final, May 15, 2021

The final obstacle blocking the path to Wembley once again proved tough to clear.

It was all looking good when Drummond scored his sixth goal of the campaign on his return to the starting line-up.

When Nevitt converted from the spot after Milne had been brought down, the way to London looked clearer than ever.

It would not be a Rylands Vase match without some nerves, though, and they came all at once when Walsall Wood substitute Tom Towks curled home a stoppage-time stunner to set up a grandstand finish.

Blues saw it out though to once again spark wild celebrations.

Elliott Nevitt celebrates scoring from the spot against Walsall Wood. Picture by Mike Boden