Warrington Rylands' play-off semi-final opponents are confirmed

IN terms of the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs, Warrington Rylands already knew the “when” but now, they know the “who.”

And on Saturday, the “where” will be decided.

Following a 5-1 defeat for fellow contenders Ashton United at Matlock Town on Monday night, Blues cannot now be dislodged from their current position of fourth place.

It means their play-off semi-final will be against Marine – who currently sit in third spot – on Tuesday, April 30, kick off 7.45pm.

The tie itself is locked in, but the prospect of enjoying home advantage for the game is still very much up for grabs.

Here is how the table currently looks with both sides having one game to play…

In order to ensure the semi-final is played at Gorsey Lane, Rylands’ equation is simple – they must beat Ilkeston Town in their final regular-season game on Saturday. A draw will not be enough even in the event of a Marine defeat due to Blues’ inferior goal difference.

Even then, they must hope the Merseysiders drop points in their trip to Ashton United, who themselves are likely to need a win to join them in the play-off places.

If that happens, Rylands will host Tuesday’s encounter but Marine will secure home advantage by simply matching their rivals’ result.

Blues have reason good reason for optimism for the semi-final given they have taken four points from a possible six against the Crosby-based outfit this season.

Their most recent meeting came on Easter Monday with Rylands running out 2-0 victors at Gorsey Lane thanks to goals from Mo Touray and Djavan Pedro.

Djavan Pedro celebrates scoring for Rylands during their Easter Monday win over Marine (Image: Mark Percy)

The sides drew 1-1 at the Marine Travel Arena on Boxing Day, with Adama Sidibeh on the scoresheet for Rylands.

There are still three teams – Ashton United, Hyde United and Worksop Town – in contention for the final play-off spot, and whoever emerges victorious will visit Macclesfield, who have secured second place behind champions Radcliffe, in the semi-finals.

Worksop, who beat Rylands 2-1 on Saturday, hold their fate in their own hands due to having a game in hand, which they will play tonight away at Guiseley. Winning that game and their trip to already-relegated Atherton Collieries will ensure a fifth-place finish barring an improbably swing in goal difference.

Hyde are currently in possession but can only watch on – they were due to face Marske United, who resigned from the league mid-season, on the final day so they do not have another fixture, so they must hope Ashton and Worksop do not pick up another win between them.