PRE-SEASON has started impressively for both Warrington Town and Warrington Rylands in terms of results.

Both have beaten higher-ranked teams in their early friendly matches as they build towards the new campaign, with Town preparing for a second season in the National League North while Rylands are also looking to build on an impressive 2023-24 campaign that saw them fall just short of promotion in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Town hammer National League opposition

Saturday saw Yellows – playing in an old blue away number due to kit complications for opponents Rochdale – return to Cantilever Park (newly renamed the Cal.Delivery Stadium) and record an impressive 3-0 victory over their National League opponents.

All three goals came in the first half, with Jay Harris clipping in the opener after a quick counter-attack before a neat move was finished off by Town’s trialist striker to double the lead.

Matty McDonald then rounded the goalkeeper to finish off another counter-attack to round off the scoring before half time.

McDonald was also on the scoresheet as Mark Beesley’s side won their opening friendly on Tuesday night – the midfielder netted the only goal in a 1-0 win at Nantwich Town.

Town are not in midweek action but are back at home on Saturday against another National League side in Altrincham.

Jay Harris clips home Town's opener against Rochdale on SaturdayJay Harris clips home Town's opener against Rochdale on Saturday (Image: Sean Walsh)

New signings front up for Rylands

Rylands’ first two friendlies have seen them record two home victories as new manager Mark Duffy continues to shape his squad.

And two of his new signings were to the fore last Tuesday as they beat an XI sent by Championship giants Burnley.

Having fallen behind to an early penalty, two goals in as many minutes secured a 2-1 victory for Blues courtesy of new forwards Ntumba Massanka and Jake Burton.

That came three days after Cheadle Town were beaten 3-1 at Gorsey Lane in the pre-season opener with Ben Hardcastle, Clive Smith and Ben Hough on the scoresheet.

Rylands are at home to National League side Oldham Athletic on Tuesday night before travelling to Vauxhall Motors on Saturday.