WARRINGTON Rylands can reflect on a fine example of their resilience as they carry their unbeaten sequence into their next clash with Hyde United.

A first goal of the season in the 95th minute from Clive Smith sealed a 1-1 draw after an incident-packed second half at Gainsborough Trinity at the weekend.

As well as the late goal drama, Luke Pilling saved a penalty 10 minutes earlier and both sides had a man sent off - Gainsborough’s George Hornshaw in the 65th minute for a second bookable offence, and then 12 minutes later Rylands’ Ben Hough after a high challenge on Declan Howe.

Rylands remain second in the Northern Premier League Premier Division as a result and will be aiming to go 11 games unbeaten in the league when they host Hyde at Gorsey Lane on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, before making the trip to Bamber Bridge next Tuesday, 7.45pm.

Hyde are among the pack of sides who are within three points of each other between fourth and 13th spot.

“It’s a fantastic changing room, we never know when we’re beaten and the spirit is sky high,” said Blues boss Michael Clegg after the point at Gainsborough, eight months to the day since taking charge.

“We’re not just signing anyone and everyone when we’ve got suspensions and injuries, we’re trying to do it right and that’s why we’re all kind of digging in for each other.

“You can’t explain the weekend’s game to anyone that wasn’t there. How there were two red cards in that game I’ll never know and then that set the tone after that.

“They got a penalty that was saved, we should have had a penalty in injury time to probably go and win it.

“Once Luke Pilling saved their penalty you know then you’re going to get an equaliser because it was just like the script was written.

“We weren’t as fluid, though we created a hell of a lot of chances in the second half and probably should have done better.

“You can never turn your nose up at a point on the road, especially when it comes in the last minute by Clive Smith who has been brilliant since he signed so all the lads were delighted for him.”

He added: “Hyde will be a good test because they’ve got a decent side.

“They try and play, and we try and play, but we’re really strong at home and you always fancy your chances.”

Clegg achnowledged there are a few niggling injuries in the squad and said some players may be ‘nursed’ through the week in preparation.