WARRINGTON Rylands took a huge step towards securing a spot in the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off places.

Second-half goals from Ben Hardcastle and Mo Touray secured a 2-0 victory over Bamber Bridge – their third in a row under the caretaker stewardship of senior players Sam Wilson and Dean Furman.

It means they move up to second in the table and now have a nine-point cushion inside the all-important top five.

However, Wilson is urging his players not to look at the table and instead focus on taking things game-by-game.

"We just want to take care of our own business," he said.

"We scored a late winner last week, today was a tough game and the next seven will be.

"It will be the same for everyone – it’s that time of year and it’s been a funny sort of year with some freak results.

"It’s about looking after your own situation really and that’s what we’re focused on."

Having returned to the starting line-up for the first time since late January following injury, Hardcastle made the crucial breakthrough seven minutes after half time to put Blues ahead.

It was a goal stemming from his own hard work to close down Bamber Bridge stopper James Pradic, who was then caught in possession by the midfielder to present him with the simplest of tap-ins.

Hardcastle was also at the heart of the goal that sealed victory with 20 minutes remaining - his neat flick from Dean Furman's pass sent Touray in behind, and he calmly rounded Pradic to tap home the clincher.

Wilson and Furman look set to remain in charge for the rest of the season, and their next game sees them visit Hyde United - the team they leapfrogged into second spot today - on Saturday.

"We’re looking forward to it," Wilson said.

"There’s a trend of teams we’re playing at the minute from FC United right through to Hyde that are similar in the way they play and set up.

"Hyde are very similar to Bamber Bridge in that they have some very good players in the final third so they will pose us a threat there, but it’s a game we’re looking forward to.

Warrington Rylands: Pilling, Smith, Brockbank, Neild, Butler, Furman, Hardcastle, Hough, Pedro, Touray (Duffy), Baillie (Cockerline). Subs not used: Adams, Hurst, Swaby-Neavin