Kev Hayes’s second half penalty secured Stockton Town’s place in the Play-Offs for the fifth straight season.
Jake Petitjean gave the Anchors the lead before Samuel Muyengwa levelled for Rylands. But Stockton regained the crucial advantage with Hayes’s spotkick to secure a Play-Off berth.
Michael Dunwell made one change from the midweek draw at FC United of Manchester as Nathan Harker returned to the line-up between the sticks.
The task was simple for Stockton heading into the game. Win and Play-Off spot was secured, drop points and they were also relying on Lancaster City and Gainsborough to do the same.
In a game played in the unrelenting April sunshine, it was Harker who was the first goalkeeper forced into action when he kept out a tame effort.
Stockton had also their first chance inside the opening ten minutes when Petitjean had a shot blocked.
Adam Nicholson also produced an excellent block to prevent Rylands from opening the scoring.
Just after being moved out of the Play-Offs by Lancaster, the Anchors took the lead. Josh Scott’s initial effort was saved, Hayes came in and his shot was blocked, finally Petitjean slammed the ball home.
Stockton were buoyed by that opener and crafted another opportunity by working the ball into the box for Cam Painter who spun and sent a half-volley wide.
The Anchors continued to create chances going into the break. Amar Purewal’s header was sent straight at the goalkeeper, Painter and Scott had strikes which kept out.
After Owen Gallacher was forced off and replaced by Vinnie Steels, Stockton ended the half with one last chance as Amar Purewal clipped the outside the post with a shot at an angle.
Half-Time: Warrington Rylands 0-1 Stockton Town
Stockton looked to press home their advantage in the second half. Shortly after the hour mark they missed a big chance when a freekick was well connected with by Nicholson but his header went slightly too high.
Rylands struck back when the Anchors couldn’t clear their lines and substitute Muyengwa effort deflected past Harker.
Stockton looked to regain their lead immediately. Hayes had an effort which was almost spilled into the path of Petitjean.
The chance to retake the lead came from the penalty spot. The referee had waved away initial appeals after Hayes had gone down, Petitjean was also brought down and that time he pointed to the spot.
Hayes kept his composure and sent the ball to the opposite side of Ascroft before somersaulting in front of the jubilant Anchors fans.
Rylands tried to push for another equaliser but Harker stood firm with a huge punch and later a massive catch.
Stockton could have sealed a bigger margin of victory at the death, but Hayes’s strike clipped the crossbar.
Full-Time: Warrington Rylands 1-2 Stockton Town
The season rolls onto Tuesday night where Stockton Town will travel to Hednesford Town for the Play-Off Semi-Final.
