Ben Rhydding Ladies 3

Chester 3

THIS final preparation match for Ben Rhydding Ladies before their Northern Premier League fixtures begin again was always going to be a tough one and began at an alarming pace.

Ben Rhydding were quite surprised to net so quickly, Mel Thompson drawing the 'keeper for Jackie Goodwin to score.

It was Thompson again who created an opportunity for Rachel Doherty to demonstrate her clinical finishing, Melissa Reynard made it 3-0 with a characteristic jinking run into the 'D' finishing neatly with a reverse stick shot.

The luck was certainly not with Chester in the first-half bringing gasps from the onlookers as they hit the post and had several near misses.

Clare Shads had another brilliant game of strong and intelligent goalkeeping. Jackie Barratt made herself available for the switch across the back very effectively but Chester's 'cluster' play made things very claustrophobic in the exit channels and frustration was obvious as three green cards were awarded.

Chester upped their tempo in the second-half and significantly changed their play. Izzy MacDonald showed her pedigree in a very busy game for her and maintained exemplary discipline.

Gemma Marshall's accomplished jab tackle got Rhydding out of trouble on several occasions but they were unable to contain Chester, who went on to score three well executed goals to leave the result at a draw.

Despite their disappointment at conceding three goals after being 3-0 up, Rhydding benefitted from this poweful game and must agree that a draw was a good result. They will now feel ready for anything as they travel to Workshop for their first Northern Premier League game of the New Year.

Leeds University ll's 3

Ben Rhydding lll's 3

This was a tremendous physical encounter which tested the resolve of both teams until the final whistle.

Early strong midfield play inter-passing by Leeds resulted in a cross being deflected into the net, apparently from behind the goalline, for a controversial goal.

With Booth's Man-of-the-Match Phil Cabrell back in midfield a quick release to Dawson saw him let Gooch take the ball up the wing interchanging with Hall before Gooch levelled the score.

Rhydding were put under pressure in the second-half with Leeds scoring a fine goal after a short corner.

Rhydding came back with some positive right wing play eventually forcing a good save from the 'keeper but the follow up from Murgatroyd earned a penalty flick.

This was duly converted by Cabrell to make it 2-2.

Further good wing play started to open Leeds up at the back with Murgatroyd, Gooch and Hall all going close.

Finally a cross found Gooch unmarked on the left and he released Hall to dummy the 'keeper and score.

In the last minute an umpire's decision was over-ruled by the opposite umpire and a free hit was given from which Leeds scored the final equaliser. Again a controversial decision but in the end a fair result.

Badgers 7

Sheffield Vlll's 3

Ben Rhydding Badgers returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 7 - 3 win over a ten man Sheffield Eighths team.

Sheffield borrowed a Ben Rhydding Colt Chris Borrett who performed well for their senior led team.

Despite having possession for whole periods of the game, Ben Rhydding were a little jittery at the back as they squandered a 3 - 0 lead to let Sheffield back into the game 3 - 2.

The nerves were based as good finishing saw them build up a commanding lead to put the game beyond Sheffield.

The quality of finishing by senior Brummitt, Roughton, and Booths man of the match Monkman was a feature of a Ben Rhydding game.

Twelve year-old Sam Charters scored his first senior goal for the club with a neat deflection.

Umpires Raw and Bradford performed admirably.

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