A STUNNING goal from debutant David Webb sealed a dramatic victory for Warrington Rylands this afternoon.
As the game moved into injury time, the midfielder - signed from Nantwich Town yesterday - sent a superb long-range effort into the top corner to spark wild celebrations at Gorsey Lane.
It allowed Dave McNabb's side to keep up the pressure on sides around them with three valuable points in a game in which they were second best for long periods.
Indeed, they were indebted to a superb Callum Dolan strike to bring them level after Sam Egerton's own goal had given the visitors a deserved lead.
David Webb celebrates his goal. Picture by Mark Percy
Listen to Blues boss Dave McNabb's post-match thoughts below
Read sports reporter Matt Turner's full match verdict below
AS the old footballing cliché goes, “good teams win ugly.”
Warrington Rylands have certainly made a bit of a habit of that in 2022 as for the second week in a row, they find a way to snatch a late victory.
The goal that gave them such a precious three points – a stunning 30-yard strike from debutant David Webb – was worthy of winning any game at any level.
Had it not nestled in the top corner, Blues could probably have kissed a top-two place goodbye and they would have been seriously looking over their shoulders at those behind them.
As it stands, they are hanging in there.
Such was their general performance, they probably would have taken the point they looked set for before Webb’s blockbusting intervention.
Save for a spell either side of Callum Dolan’s equaliser – itself a fine piece of individual excellence – their play lacked punch.
Callum Dolan curls home Rylands' equaliser. Picture by John Hopkins
For that, at least some credit has to go to a Mossley side that arrived in Warrington having only won one of their past 10 games.
They stifled and suffocated Blues, preventing them from settling into their passing game and playing through midfield.
They were forced long to Dolan and Kane Drummond in attack, neither of whom are famed for their aerial ability and as a result, centre-backs Declan Evans and Devon Matthews dealt with it easily.
Kane Drummond is held off by Mossley defender Devon Matthews. Picture by Mark Percy
Visiting goalkeeper Jordan Hadlow had virtually nothing to do, save for curse his luck as two superb efforts settled into his goal.
And even though Mossley’s opener was a self-inflicted wound by the hosts as Sam Egerton headed into his own net, it was deserved when it came just after the break.
All of that said, however, there is only one stat that matters and with teams around them in excellent form, Blues must take points however they come.
They will no doubt play better in the weeks and months to come but if they can keep grinding out results, they will remain there or thereabouts.
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