New manager Micky Connor leads his side into action for the first time tomorrow, as Spartans face a near 350 mile round trip down to Warrington Rylands, for the first ever meeting between the two clubs.
Previously referred to as just Rylands, they spent most of their existence down in the Mid-Cheshire leagues, occasionally gracing the FA Vase on the odd occasion. For the most part though, Rylands were a mid table side in 11th tier of English football system. That was however until the summer of 2016, when Paul Stretford (Wayne Rooney’s long time agent) came in and purchased the club, and injected a huge amount of cash into the first team.
They quickly won promotion from the Cheshire leagues, then marched through the North West Counties leagues (with a slight delay due to COVID-19) while also defeating Hebburn Town at Wembley to lift the FA Vase in 2021. In their first season in the NPL West, they stormed to the title – going onto establish themselves as a big threat in the NPL Premier Division within the last few years.
Managed now by former Bamber Bridge and longtime FC United of Manchester manager Neil Reynolds who was appointed in September, he’ll be looking pull them away from the dropzone following a disappointing start to the season.
Former Tranmere Rovers and Chester forward Jake Burton has been one of Rylands’ best players this season, having nabbed 6 goals already this season. Still young at only 22 years old, Jake has potential to establish himself as one of the best strikers in the NPL Premier Division. Former South Shields forward Ntumba Massanka has also bagged 6 goals for Warrington this season. Capable of playing upfront, on the left or as a number 10, Massanka is a pacey, strong and tall, so he’ll be one to watch out for come Saturday.
Midfielder Ben Hardcastle has chipped in with 4 goals, while playing his part in setting up goals for the likes of Burton and Massanka. A technical player with a decent first touch and a great dribbler, Ben traditionally features on the right flank and will likely cause whoever starts at left back a headache. In goal, Rylands have the highly regarded Luke Pilling – who’s played over 50 games in the National League North. An agile shot stopper who’s played a role in getting Warrington out of the drop zone in recent weeks, Spartans will need to be at their best to beat him.
Mick will welcome new goalkeeper Adam Richardson to the side tomorrow, and he’ll be expected to be thrown straight into the side with Michael Hogan suspended and Harrison Bond now back at Gateshead.
Having had a few training sessions with the team, supporters will no doubt be keen to see who Mick picks in his first starting XI and how he sets the team up going forward.
We still have plenty of seats left on the bus for tomorrow at the moment, which departs The Wallaw at 9am on Saturday Morning. You can find mind more information here.
If you’re making your own way up or getting the train in, you’re welcome to join us at the Turf & Feather on the outskirts of the town for a few pints. Expecting the bus will land for roughly 12:30pm, and head off up to the ground for around 2.15pm. They’ve got a decent selection of pints, food on and a canny pool table apparently – so expect to see a few games of killer pool on the board!
No tickets are sold in advance online for this one, so it’s just a case of paying on the gate with either cash or card. Prices are as follows below.
Adults – £10
Concessions – £7
Under 16’s – £2
Match Programmes should be available inside the ground for £2.
As for food in the ground, the ‘Snack Shack’ which is located behind the dugouts on the East side of the ground, will have a full range of alcoholic, soft cold & hot drinks and food on sale from 1pm on Saturday. The main bar at the ground will also be open to away fans.
Safe travels to everyone making the journey down tomorrow. Hopefully we’re in repeat of last summers trip down to Warrington!
#HowayBlyth