Warrington Rylands 1-0 defeat to Ilkeston Town, means they slipped down to 18th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, just above the danger zone on goal difference.
The game started in Ilkeston’s favour when Declan Eratt-Thomas received the ball on the edge of the box and delivered a sublime floating cross. Jamie Walker met it perfectly, heading the ball to give The Robins the opener in the 7th minute.
It was due to Ilkeston’s quick attacking play that proved to be the major test for the Blues.
The loss gave Rylands their first defeat in five games, but Manager Neil Reynolds remained optimistic about his team’s performance despite today’s result.
“We are playing brave, moving forward, and everyone in the stadium knows we are going in the right direction,” Reynolds said.
Rylands could not find the back of the net and keeper Luke Pilling was the main man for The Blues, who was pivotal between the sticks.
Luke Pilling was awarded Man of the Match for his effort, with one particular world-class fingertip save in the 42nd minute denying The Robins to get a second.
There was a shout for a red card from the home fans when the goal scorer, Walker, slid into Harrison Hopper in the 15th minute, taking him out. Hopper was substituted in the 21st minute injured from the challenge.
Ilkeston tried to get second, playing their aggressive attacking play but could not find another, and Rylands were on the back foot the entire opening 45.
The Blues had more chances in the second half, and the result could have been different with better composure.
George Waring came agonizingly close in the 81st minute when he connected with a cross from Ben Hardcastle, only to head the ball wide.
The Blues succeeded in keeping the league’s top goalscorer, Thomas Cursons, at bay, as he failed to register a single shot on goal.
Although The Robins secured all three points, Reynolds expressed confidence about the future.
“I thought the fans and the team were excellent today, and that’s something we should be proud of because we’ve got two monster of away games coming up,” Reynolds said.
Rylands next game is a difficult tie against second-place Guiseley, who are on a four-game winning streak, and the upcoming game will give The Blues a chance to redeem their lack of goal-scoring efforts.
