An exciting and controversial game ends in defeat for ladies

Ben Rhydding Ladies travelled to Worcester keen to avenge defeat by the Midlands side in the National League play-off tournament back in May, and the result was a game full of excitement and controversy but ultimately a defeat for the Ilkley side.

Despite a strong start by the visitors which saw them create plenty of opportunities in the opposition half, it was Worcester who took the lead against the run of play, capitalising on a break up the pitch to hammer the ball home from the edge of the area.

Ben Rhydding kept their cool and were soon back on level terms, strong running from the forwards and midfield keeping up the pressure on the Worcester defence. Their efforts were rewarded as Rachel Laycock struck a typically thunderous short corner, deflected into the net by the defender on the line.

Ben Rhydding then took a deserved lead through the in-form Rachel Doherty, who pounced on the initial save from another short corner to lift the ball over the diving 'keeper.

Rhydding appeared to be hitting some of their best form, Doherty running the defence ragged, supported by Scott and Askew, and Melissa Reynard enjoying a fine game in midfield, making driving runs forward.

Kate Bradley continued her recent form to cause havoc down the right hand side. Just as it seemed Ben Rhydding might begin to take control of the game, however, Worcester were level once more, as Ben Rhydding suffered a defensive lapse and conceded a soft goal.

Determined to assert themselves once again, the Yorkshire girls responded in style, and the tireless Rachel Doherty once again found the net with a cheeky strike after another mesmerising move which saw her leave two defenders in her wake. However, as supporters thought they could relax and see Ben Rhydding run the game, Worcester's response was immediate and lethal, two goals in about two minutes which saw them take a half-time lead, leaving Ben Rhydding shell-shocked.

The second-half was never going to match the excitement of the first but it came close as three yellow cards were issued and Ben Rhydding spent ten minutes of the period camped in the opposition half, playing against nine players but somehow not forcing the shots or short corners needed to capitalise on the pressure.

As Worcester increased their lead in a game which will leave Ben Rhydding analysing the defensive qualities of their whole team, the game was not one-sided - Ben Rhydding in fact enjoyed lengthy periods of possession without being a real threat to the opposition goal, and Worcester always looked dangerous on the break.

A real 'game of two halves', of which the Ilkley side could only win the first 30 minutes.

Saturday sees Ben Rhydding's final match before the Christmas break, at home to league leaders Birmingham University (1.30pm).

B Rhydding Ladies lls 3, Skipton 0

Ben Rhydding Ladies Seconds took the field in the most atrocious conditions on Saturday morning against Skipton who were hoping to topple the league leaders.

Even the more experienced players struggled to perform in the howling gales and driving rain that persisted form the first whistle to full time.

Despite the testing conditions Ben Rhydding had the upperhand throughout and were in possession in Skipton's half for most of the game. It was great build up by Camilla Dyson that led to the first goal from Beth Pawson who neatly flicked the ball past the 'keeper to open the scoring.

It was the fantastically positive effect on the forward line of Catherine French that was responsible for the consistent pressure of Rhydding on the Skipton defence and the ladies went into the dug out at half-time very confident of the inevitable outcome.

Content for a while to humour Skipton's ambitions, Rhydding traded blows with them for long enough given the unbearable conditions and then decided it was time to put the game to bed.

The team was ideal for this. Experienced, accomplished, hard as nails and not put off by arctic conditions. The ever influential Karen French was delighted to be rewarded with her name on the scoresheet after popping away the rebound from a Dowley strike after her stick swung through the air almost as fast as her shot from a wet corner routine.

Clare Britcliffe in goal was dynamic and supreme and always persuaded her defence to create something positive from possession. This led to some inspirational and triumphant balls out of the 25 yard area from Clare Oates and Dot Mainwairing who were never content to simply clear danger but always built moves even off the back foot. Kate Richardson, back to form after injury, was awesome in the midfield and mesmerised the opposition with her dominance, feeding the forwards as well as surging forward herself on many telling runs.

Laura Beardsmore recently crowned national junior Aikido champion, was strong and perfect in her role at right defence, marking Skipton's strongest player who failed to feature in the game.

This sort of all encompassing defence cannot fail to inspire its forwards who went on to run the Skipton defence ragged and patiently waited for possession to turn into points.

The pulse of the team was provided by French and the harnessing of the gifts of the youngsters was rewarded by another goal from Pawson who reacted admirably to possession in the D from the legendary French and Dowley.

Who can find a reply to this forward line ? No one as yet it would seem. They stay top of the league by an ever increasing margin.

B Rhydding Ladies Vs 1, B Rhydding Ladies lVs 3

This match was always going to be a very difficult one for all players as movement between these two teams still occurs until later in season but on this wet and blustery afternoon both teams came onto the pitch in good spirits enjoying banter and friendship.

However, once the game started each team wanted the three points on offer. The fourth team were quickly on the attack and were thwarted on numerous occasions by the experienced players in the fifth team defence.

Tanya Fox was a constant threat to them and it wasn't long before she scored following a goalmouth scramble.

The fifths were always quick on the break and Sarah McQuade playing in goal for the fourths had to make some timely saves from a number of short corners.

With the play going from end to end, it was the fourths who found the net again with prolific goal scorer Laura Tweddle, to go into half-time with a 2-0 lead.

Never to give up, the fifths started much quicker than the fourths and Pam Born, always a threat in the circle, turned on the ball and slotted it in. Undeterred the fourths fought back and were rewarded with a goal from Alice Ackroyd to win the match.