DAVE McNabb’s 150th game as manager of Warrington Rylands ended in a disappointing defeat at Ashton United.

Having survived a first-minute penalty appeal, Ashton took the lead in the 4th minute.

The Rylands defence failed to cut out a James Baillie cross from the right wing, allowing Callum Saunders to head home unchallenged from close range at the far post.

Rylands were back on level terms six minutes later when Andy Scarisbrick reacted quickly to force the ball home after Ashton goalkeeper Greg Hartley made an excellent one-on-one save to deny Kane Drummond.

Warrington Guardian:

Andy Scarisbrick celebrates scoring the equaliser. Picture by Mark Percy

Blues boss Dave McNabb gives his thoughts on the game below

Scarisbrick had the ball in Ashton’s net for a second time in the 20th minute but his goal was disallowed for offside.

Hartley pulled off another two good saves to keep out shots from Callum Dolan and Drummond while Dave Webb, Ryan Brooke and James Neild all went close to hitting the target and Dolan struck the upright in the 29th minute with a shot from distance.

Warrington Guardian:

Picture by Mark Percy

For all of Rylands’ attacking play, it was the home side which went into the half time break in front.

In time added on at the end of the first half, Saunders fired in a low cross from the left flank which found Ben Hardcastle unmarked, enabling him to fire through a packed penalty area.

The second half started with Rylands on the attack with Webb and Dolan, twice, going close with shots which just missed the target, while Hartley saved well to keep out a Webb free kick in the opening exchanges.

As the half wore on, Rylands’ attacks became more desperate with balls being thrown into the penalty area easily dealt with by a well-organised Ashton defence.

Their best chance in the closing stages fell to debutant Benni Braithwaite, who fired into the side netting in the 86th minute.

Ashton had gone close to extending their advantage in the 63rd minute when Will Appleyard tipped Saunders’ acrobatic effort onto the bar.

Playing his first NPL game for Rylands, Appleyard also made good saves to deny Saunders and Hardcastle but in stoppage time, he brought down Hardcastle to concede a penalty.

Saunders converted the spot kick, leaving Rylands to rue missing so many chances, especially in the first half.

Rylands: Appleyard, Neild (Egerton), Hunt, Morris, Langley, Irwin (Furman), Webb (Braithwaite), Scarisbrick, Brooke, Dolan, Drummond. Subs not used: Gerrard, Mustoe

Rylands return to Gorsey Lane on Tuesday as they host Bamber Bridge.