Preview: Rylands vs Warrington Town

The town of Warrington will be divided on Saturday afternoon as the Yellows visit near neighbours Rylands in the Northern Premier League. 

A sell-out crowd is expected at Gorsey Lane, with both teams on the hunt for promotion this season.

Mark Beesley’s side come into this weekend on a six-game unbeaten run following Tuesday’s 2-2 draw away at Hyde United.

Meanwhile, Jody Banim’s Blues will be looking to bounce back quickly after a 3-0 defeat to Ashton United in their previous home fixture.

Due to expected rainfall, there will be a provisional pitch inspection on Saturday morning.

Team news

The Yellows could once again be without defender Mitch Duggan, who has missed the last two matches through injury. 

Teddy Mfuni also left the club to join Oxford United in midweek, while Mikey Howard (knee) remains a longer-term absentee. 

Mark Beesley preview

Yellows boss Mark Beesley has urged his players to not let the magnitude of the occasion get to them on Saturday. 

Both Rylands and Town could finish the day in the play-off places, depending on the outcome of other matches. 

“For us, it’s just another game,” Beesley said. “They’re a really good team, with a good manager and some really good players.

“It’s a tough game, as tough as they come. It’s a derby so there’s local bragging rights, which we’re aware of, but we’ve got to treat it like a normal game. 

“If you get carried away, it can affect how you perform.”

Dec Walker preview

Right-back Dec Walker believes Saturday’s clash with local rivals Rylands will be a big moment for the local area.

The pair will lock horns for the second and final time this season, with the reverse fixture resulting in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Cantilever Park back in October. 

“It’s massive for the town. Growing up here, all we had was rugby,” Walker said.

“It’s good to have two teams that play a good standard of football and have their eyes on getting promoted.

“I’m looking forward to a good crowd, but ultimately once we get onto the pitch we just need to focus on getting the three points.”

Read more here!

Match information

Saturday’s Northern Premier League fixture at Gorsey Lane kicks off at 3:00pm. 

Match tickets, available to buy online and at the turnstiles, are priced as follows:

• Adults: £10
• Concessions (Over 65s and 16-18yrs): £7
• U16s: £2

For supporters who cannot attend, live audio coverage will be available via the Yellows Mixlr channel.