Jarrow FC (4)1-1(5) Warrington Rylands 1906 (Warrington win 5-4 on pens) - 12-12-2020

 

FA Vase 2nd Round Proper

12-12-2020

Jarrow FC (4)1-1(5) Warrington Rylands 1906 (Warrington win 5-4 on pens)

96’ Mellish | 49’ Doyle

 

9th tier Warrington defeated their 10^th tier counterparts Jarrow in a fiercely contested FA Vase 2^nd round game. With Warrington top of the North West counties Premier and Jarrow near the bottom of the Northern League division 2 the form book was firmly with the side from the North West but Jarrow, having knocked out higher tier opposition in the last round wouldn’t be knocked out without a fight.

As Warrington were unbeaten in their respective League, Jarrow set themselves up to contain the away teams attacking threat in the first half but struggled at times to stop Warrington’s midfield from breaking through. An over worked Jarrow backline however, defended superbly to keep the visitors at bay.

In the first of a series of half chances Nick Little managed to turn the ball behind after a blocked shot on the line had came after good work down the left from the Warrington winger.

Only a few minutes later and the defence were called into action again making two more vital blocks before again managing to turn the ball behind for a corner. Jarrow were defending well and limiting the away side to snap shots and no real clear-cut chances.

Despite Jarrow struggling to retain possession they managed to break forward when they could but the gap between the midfield and lone striker Lennox was a problem. That was until Kris Allen broke through the midfield and in drawing a foul allowed Jarrow not only a breather, but a chance to get the ball in the box that they duly did. After the ball was rebounded a hooked effort from Dan Smith went narrowly wide of the post and just evaded Adam Lennox’s outstretched boot.

As Jarrow enjoyed a bit more possession Rylands looked dangerous on the break and managed another shot on target although this time Jak Wells was able to hold the ball comfortably. As the half progressed so did Rylands chances and they were beginning to get more shots on goal and look more threatening but despite this Jarrow held firm and a double save from Jak Wells kept the home side on parity. Half time and the visitors frustrated at the 0-0 score line.

Into the second half and Rylands made their possession count almost immediately as a long ball down the left channel was only partially cleared before Scarisbrick squared to Charlie Doyle who found the net past the brilliant Jak Wells in the Jarrow goal. 1-0 to the visitors.

The Rylands goal so early in the second half meant Jarrow’s 1^st half game plan that had worked so well had to change straight away and the home side got to work trying to get a foothold in the game.

Despite their best efforts however Rylands continued to press forward and create chances and the game was turning into a proper cup tie. A free kick was headed just wide by goal creator Scarisbrick on the hour mark.

The introduction of Lee Kerr in midfield then changed the game for Jarrow as he allowed Dan Smith the freedom to bridge the gap between the midfield and Adam Lennox and began driving forward with the ball.  Glen Hargrave was also introduced and he immediately started harassing the left back at every opportunity as the game was now end to end with 20 minutes left to play. A number of times Hargrave managed to get down the right wing and either whip a cross in right footed or check back inside and swing it in with his left but each time he was thwarted by the excellently drilled Warrington defence.

Warrington weren’t finished as an attacking force either yet and kept on threatening with Jak Wells having to produce a few more great saves to keep the blue and white army interested.

As the seconds ticked away however Jarrow still found that extra motivation to look for an equalising goal, being encouraged from every side of the socially distanced ground the Jarra lads managed to win a throw deep into Ryalnds territory. Glen ‘Rory Delap’ Hargrave launched a curling ball into the area, a throw that would’ve been retaken in rugby for not being straight was knocked goalward by captain Jordon Mellish, the ball then ricocheted off a Rylands defender and entered the goal to the delight of the players and the watching crowd. It was a cruel blow to Warrington who had been the better side but Jarrow’s never say die attitude had come to fruition again in the cup and we then entered the lottery of penalties.

Rylands were the team who kept their nerve in the shootout with both sides dispatching some quite incredible pens under the circumstances. A wet ball and heavy pitch didn’t stop the quality of striking. A 5-4 penalty win was a deserved result but the losers Jarrow made some new friends with their attitude, effort and at times quality.

Best of luck to Warrington Rylands 1906 for the rest of the competition and we hope to see them again soon.

  

Att:- 79