A KEY player returned from injury and a new signing made his debut as Warrington Rylands progressed to the Liverpool Senior Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Blues ran out 4-1 winners over South Liverpool at Gorsey Lane and will now face a trip to either City of Liverpool or Southport in the last-eight.

The game marked veteran midfielder Dean Furman’s first appearance in more than three months having returned from injury and the former South Africa international started the game alongside forward Taylor Bowen, who has joined the club on loan from Blackpool.

Bowen has spent much of this season on loan at Northern Premier League West Division side Runcorn Linnets, for whom he scored five times in 14 appearances.

He also had a loan spell at Workington last season that was cut short after just three appearances after he suffered a serious hamstring injury.

An early own goal put Blues on course for victory but they required goalkeeper Luke Pilling to save a penalty in order to retain their lead at the break.

Cole Lonsdale struck just after the interval to double the hosts’ advantage and while South pulled a goal back shortly afterwards through Owen Hough’s penalty, Rylands were awarded a spot kick of their own with 10 minutes left that substitute Ben Hardcastle converted to restore their two-goal lead.

Another substitute in Jake Burton then rounded off the win for Blues, who return to NPL Premier Division action on Saturday with a trip to Mickleover.

After the game, Rylands boss Neil Reynolds was keen to pay tribute to his side's opponents, who currently sit 21st in the North West Counties League Premier Division - two divisions below Blues in the pyramid.

He also gave credit to his much-changed side, with several players from the fringes of the first-team given a run-out.

"Massive congratulations to South Liverpool – I thought they were excellent," he said.

"They came here with nothing to lose and they worked really hard tonight.

"I know they’re struggling in their league but if they show that energy and endeavour, they won’t go far wrong.

"For us, you can only beat what’s in front of you and that was the challenge for the lads.

"We wanted to put minutes into lads who have been extremely patient, and I thought they were excellent to a man.

"They were a bit rusty in the first half at times and gave the ball away, but to come in and play 90 minutes off the back of not a lot of football is a credit to them so I’m really chuffed."