FOR the first time since their glorious FA Vase triumph at Wembley Stadium, Warrington Rylands are back on the pitch tonight.

Tonight, it is all about preparations for life in the Northern Premier League as they face FC United of Manchester in a pre-season friendly at Gorsey Lane.

The visitors are also NPL members but operate a league higher – they play in the Premier Division while Blues will line up in Division One West for 2021-22.

FC United are one of the best followed teams at this level and thus a big crowd is expected for the game, which kicks off at 7.30pm.

While the result is not the be all and end all in comparison to building fitness and cohesion, Rylands boss Dave McNabb is looking for his side to "impose themselves" on their higher-ranked opponents.

"It’s a good chance to play in front of what will be a decent crowd," he said.

"We’re looking for intensity and for people to really push themselves.

"There will be 20-odd lads getting 45 minutes each so we want them to push and try hard but we want them to try and play as well.

"We know FC United are a good side with a really good manager, but we want to impose ourselves.

"There’s no better habit in football than winning games so we’ll be going in trying to win the game, but more important is the fitness and minutes in the legs."

Tonight could mark the first appearance in Rylands colours for the trio of new signings confirmed thus far ahead of the new season, which kicks off on August 14.

Midfielders Callum Dolan and Abdul Djalo and striker Kyle Sambor have all been added to McNabb's squad and may feature against the Red Rebels.