KICKOFF COUNTDOWN
Last time out The Blues blitzed Bromsgrove Sporting 3-0 thanks to a second half brace from Alex Hurst as well as a hit from Ollie Shenton, which launched leak into the second round of the FA Trophy. This victory will most definitely fuel the side with confidence heading into the upcoming fixture.
 
Warrington Rylands similarly were victorious in their last outing, where they went away to Cleethorpes Town and emerged 2-1 winners thanks to goals from defender Matthew Regan and Blackburn Rovers loanee Harrison Wood.

The True-Blue Army Will Assemble At?
Any travelling Blues, our journey takes around an hour and a half by car (or less). The trip begins on Macclesfield Road (A53) in Leek, heading southwest before joining the A523 towards Stoke. From there, you’ll connect to the A50 and then merge onto the M6 northbound. Continue up the M6, passing Stafford and Crewe, before exiting near Warrington — typically around Junction 20. Once off the motorway, follow local routes and signage to Gorsey Lane, home of Warrington Rylands.
 
How much to get in?

• Adults - £12
• Concessions - £9
• Under 16 - £4

The Opposition?

• Warrington Rylands 1906 FC–The Blues
• Formed – 1906
• Ground – Gorsey Lane (capacity –1,345)
• Gaffer – Neil Reynolds

Their website?
Warrington Rylands
 
How are they doing?
The Warrington Blues currently sit at the summit of the table. They have reached 28 points so far this season and have only lost one time (that being to Lancaster City earlier in the season). However, their incredible ability to avoid defeat so far this has often not simply equated in a win for Warrington as they have both won and drawn 7 games so far this season.

Most recently in the league, Warrington Rylands were victorious away from home versus 11th place Cleethorpes thanks to 2 strikes in the second half to end the game 2-1. That result will certainly keep confidence high in the Warrington side as picking up 3 points on the road is always a great morale booster. Both Leek and Gainsborough will be heading into this game full of confidence. And I’m sure the travelling fans are in for an exciting 90 minutes
 
Their Main Man?
Ben Hardcastle, is a 31-year-old midfielder with a wealth of non-league experience, making him a standout figure at Warrington Rylands. Having developed his game at clubs such as Atherton Collieries—where he earned the NPL West Division Player of the Year award in 2018/19—and later Ashton United, Hardcastle combines proven quality with versatility and leadership. His age brings maturity, while his consistent performances and ability to influence games make him an ideal signing for Rylands as they push for success. With his experience, reliability, and track record at non-league level, Hardcastle is the kind of player capable of being the heartbeat of the team, driving both results and squad ambition.

Last season for Warrington he was their leading scorer and had event the players’ player of the season in the 24/25 campaign. He certainly seems to have carried that form over into this season as he once again leads the clubs goal scoring charts having already achieved 9 goals so far and he’s looking likely to go on and perform for his team for the remainder of the season.
 
Their Gaffer?
Neil Reynolds who was born in Preston, is the current manager of Warrington Rylands FC. He brings extensive experience from both his playing and managerial career. As a player, Reynolds was a midfielder who originally made his mark at Clitheroe, as he helped them win the North West Counties League title in the 2003/04 campaign. Neil Reynolds also notably scored key goals throughout his playing career, including one that secured promotion to the Northern Premier League. He later went on to play for Bamber Bridge, where he retired from his playing career before transitioning into coaching.
 
Reynolds began his managerial journey at Bamber Bridge, initially as assistant before becoming first-team manager in 2016, he had achieved early silverware as Reynolds guided the team to NPL Cup success and promotion via the play-offs. He also managed FC United of Manchester, leading them to a second-place finish in the Northern Premier League, although unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed the season. He was then appointed by Rylands in September 2024. And he aims to bring his experience, leadership, and strong connection with supporters to reinvigorate the club and push them toward success in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. And so far this season, you can certainly see his ideas are coming to fruition as he has guided them to the top of the league after the first 15 games.
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Warrington Rylands – have we met before?
Rylands have only faced Leek a total of 4 times so far in recorded history, the first of these fixtures arrived in 2021 where Leek Town unfortunately lost 2-0 away from home. So far Leek have only not lost once against Warrington, which was later in that same 21/22 season where they won 3-0 as Dan Trickett-Smith scored in the first half before Rob Stevenson tucked away a brace in the second 45. Those were the only goals leek have scored against Warrington Rylands meaning that this upcoming fixture will be a real test to our ability and improvements since we last played the Warrington Blues. In the 4 fixtures Warrington have scored just 5 goals so in total the average goals per fixture is precisely 2!