Ben Rhydding Ladies 4

St Neots Ladies 0

On Sunday the ladies first team travelled down to Cambridgeshire to play the third round of the National Hockey Association Cup.

Rhydding started well with Jo Ellis scoring the first goal within a minute of the off.

However, although Rhydding were dominant throughout the game, they were unable to convert all their numerous opportunities to score. Nevertheless, a second timely goal by Jo Ellis came just before half-time.

After the break St Neots had a couple of good chances, one of which was saved off the line by Vicky Winters. Rachel Doherty added to the scoresheet and Jo Ellis clinched her hat-trick to secure victory for Rhydding as they romped home.

This ladies' first team victory has been rewarded with the dream tie against the Cup holders Ipswich on Sunday, December 8.

Now Ben Rhydding have 21 goals to their name in the competition so far Ipswich will be on full alert.

Ben Rhydding Ladies 6

Timperley 2

Ben Rhydding moved into second place in the league with a confident win over Timperley, whom the Yorkshire side narrowly pipped to the league title last season.

Unbeaten before this fixture, Timperley soon made their mark on the game with a goal after 20 seconds which caught the home side completely off guard.

This was the impetus Ben Rhydding needed to start playing, however, and a period of sustained pressure followed which saw Rachel Doherty deservedly put her side on level terms.

A classic encounter was to follow, with Ben Rhydding showing their superiority in most areas of play but always aware that any lapse in concentration would be punished by their visitors.

The home side moved the ball around well and closed down their opposition confidently. Some great switching moves through Leanne Brook and Jo Skirrow released the forwards on a number of occasions, who caused numerous problems to the Timperley defence.

It came as no surprise when Jo Ellis put her side into the lead shortly before half-time with a cracking shot from open play.

Into the second-half and Ben Rhydding knew there must be no let-up. They piled on the pressure once again and the goals soon followed. Excellent approach play by Melissa Reynard was rewarded with a neatly taken goal from Anne Thornborro, and Reynard soon put her own name on the scoresheet after beating two defenders and slotting the ball home from close range.

Skirrow then put the game beyond the reach of Timperley with a well taken penalty stroke to keep up her 100 per cent record.

Just as Ben Rhydding thought they could relax, Timperley responded once again and capitalised on a mistake in the home defence to strike the ball home.

But the Yorkshire side were not going to concede any more in this fixture, and Ellis sealed the victory with another penalty stroke. A satisfying victory for Ben Rhydding against one of their title rivals.

l On Saturday Ben Rhydding visit unbeaten Chester for their most important match of the season so far.