MATT Russell converted the winning penalty as 1874 Northwich continued their defence of the Macron Cup beating Rylands in the third round, writes Garry Clarke.

Having taken an 80th-minute lead, 1874 conceded an equaliser four minutes into stoppage time to set up a tense penalty shoot-out.

With Scott McGowan and Matt Woolley having spot kicks saved by Rylands goalkeeper Graeme McCall, Sam Hare, James Ormrod and Russell held their nerve to clinch a 3-2 penalty shoot-out win.

VIEW: Gallery of Rylands v 1874 match pictures

An open free flowing and at times feisty encounter between two teams committed to a slick passing style, the game kept the 173 strong crowd entertained on a cold afternoon in Warrington.The two teams created numerous goal-scoring opportunities throughout the game with both McCall and 1874 counterpart Tony Aghayere making a number of fine saves.

Other efforts were just off target before 1874 broke the deadlock.

Sub Taylor Kennerley cut inside from the left flank and delivered a wicked ball into the middle. The ball evaded McCall and nestled in the far corner of the net.

With a place in the quarter finals in sight, 1874’s rearguard repelled Rylands' attempts for an equaliser until deep into stoppage time. Adam Jones played a long ball high into the 1874 penalty area where Jay White knocked the ball down to Lewis Buckley who smashed it into the roof of the net.

Aghayere saved two Rylands penalties and with another off target, 1874 took their place in the quarter finals where they have been handed an away tie against the winners of Garstang v Maine Road which has been rescheduled for Wednesday.

Rylands: McCall, Jones, Freeman (Coyne), Kenny, Lees, Gerrard (O’Halleron), Scarisbrick, Wolhuter, Buckley, O’Neill (White), Drummond. Subs not used: Parry, Potter.

1874: Aghayere, Koral, Russell, Ormrod, Jones, Parker (Okome), Cain (Kennerley), Woolley, McGowan, Hare, Knight. Subs not used: Gardner, Tinning.