WARRINGTON Rylands’ return to home soil also brought about a much-needed return to winning ways.
After a return of one point from their three away fixtures last week had put their play-off spot at risk, Blues delivered an authoritative riposte against Rushall Olympic at Gorsey Lane.
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Jake Burton netted at the start of either half having been brought into the side in place of the injured Alex Kiwomya, first heading home Clive Smith’s expert cross to break the deadlock before a clinical finish from Ben Hardcastle’s centre less than 30 seconds into the second half.
It could have been even better for the frontman as he was denied a hat-trick on the hour mark when his penalty was saved by Rushall stopper Jake Laban.
Either side of Burton’s strikes, George Waring got himself on the scoresheet by converting the loose ball after his first effort from Guy Hall’s cross was blocked as Rylands confidently returned to form.
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Analysis – electric Burton dazzles to inspire Warrington Rylands
This was much more like it from a Rylands perspective – a performance and result that will ease any nerves about their top-five spot.
In truth, more displays of this manner will mean they needn’t worry about anybody catching them from below.
For the first 20 minutes in particular, they were electric and whatever game plan Rushall may have arrived in WA2 with appeared to be blown out of the water by Burton’s early goal.
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That sparked a lively display from the diminutive forward, who has struggled to maintain his form – and indeed his spot in the team – following a goal-laden start to the season, but he buzzed around with the kind of intent that could have been interpreted as a message to his manager that he daren’t leave him out again.
He should have had more than the two goals he ended up with – even aside from the second-half penalty he saw saved, he saw several chances fall by the wayside but can still reflect on a superb individual display.
A Pics backline that lacked pace had Burton licking his lips and his teammates tried to find him at every opportunity having suffocated their visitors with relentless energy.
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While Rushall weren’t without chances of their own – Luke Pilling had to react well to deny Liam McAlinden’s fierce effort – it was no surprise when the second goal came.
While his place in the team has been more secure than Burton’s, Waring has found goals similarly hard to come by but his first strike since November will no doubt have been a relief.
That gave the scoreline a look that was more reflective of the run of the game – the only question now was whether or not they could maintain their dominance.
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The answer came just 25 seconds into the second half, with Burton again tormenting the Rushall defence to kick off another perfect start to a half.
In truth, the scoreline should have blown out by more as even with the game won, Rylands continued to flow forward true to their entertaining, attack-first style.
While they had to settle for three, the psychological effects of what they turned out could well be far greater.
The only real downside was the first-half loss of Harrison Wood – fingers will be crossed that the injury that forced the on-loan Blackburn Rovers flyer to limp off is nothing too serious.
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Are the real Warrington Rylands back? On this evidence, they certainly are – and not before time.
Warrington Rylands: Pilling, Smith, Regan, Furman, Gamble, Caddick, Wood (Hardcastle), Munro (Hough), Waring, Burton (Muyengwa), Hall (Tioffo). Subs not used: Akpo
