A game Rhydding Ladies would like to forget about

Fresh off the back of a breath taking victory in Nottingham, Ben Rhydding were hungry to entertain local rivals Bradford, in what had the potential to be an epic sequel to a disappointing result in the first half of the season.

As the sun beamed down on the arena, the spectators gathered inhaling the nervous tension radiating from the two teams.

The whistle went, the battle commenced, and Bradford immediately took control. Ismay McDonald, and Jodie Bridger made some crucial tackles to prevent Bradford taking an early lead.

Even their best efforts could not deter the Bradford forwards, often depending upon the agility of young 'keeper Holly Crank. Like a predictable movie, the inevitable happened, and Ben Rhydding found themselves trailing 1-0 after a cunning substitution.

Rhydding appeared to settle into the game following the initial bombardment of skill and trickery, calming the storm. Vice-captain Sarah Male attempted her luck at running the gauntlet as the game became progressively more physical but sadly the Bradford 'keeper was rarely tested in the initial 35 minutes.

Following an inspiring team talk Ben Rhydding approached the second-half with a look of determination.

Regardless of their best efforts, the well oiled machine that effortlessly beat Nottingham the week before, had clearly been left in the garage for servicing and the cheap courtesy car that remained was not up to the challenge.

Bradford however were on form, pushing forward as a unit, and putting together some well rehearsed passes to squeeze yet another goal from the weakening grip of the Ben Rhydding girls. At 2-0 down, with little left to fight for, the final whistle blew on a game Ben Rhydding would like to forget. As the home team coach Mike Thorneycroft rather accurately exclaimed: "The girls were only beaten by themselves."

The team is grateful to SaccoMann and Northern Pumps Suppliers for their sponsorship and all those who provide their unconditional support. The team will be back at home in two weeks time against Whitley Bay.

Rhydding lls 1 Worksop 3

In the space of minutes Ben Rhydding Ladies Seconds saw a game that was firmly in their grip slip through their fingers as Worksop had three solitary chances and converted them all.

Being 1-0 up at half-time, the ladies were beginning to work the ball swiftly through midfield and hard up the flanks. Aussie Holly Hyder had put her team ahead with Ruth Jeayes unlucky not to have joined her on the scoresheet with a shot that went just over the bar.

Worksop got no joy in possession as they were ferociously tackled at the earliest moment.

With no more that ten minutes on the clock a breakaway from Worksop forced Vicky Winters to pull out a last ditch game stopping tackle that resulted in a penalty stroke.This was deftly slotted and Worksop were back on even terms.

Reeling from the shock Rhydding almost instantly conceded a penalty corner which was equally well slotted putting the visitors 2-1 up.

Desolation filled the air when they repeated it seconds later to put the game to bed and snatch three points from the jaws of defeat to leave the Rhydding girls in utter disbelief that a team that put three chances away walked away with the win.