Timperley Ladies 2 , B Rhydding 1

Ben Rhydding Ladies' hopes of the league title and a place in the National League play-offs were dealt a crucial blow with defeat by Timperley at the weekend.

The result leaves Ben Rhydding in second place, needing maximum points in their remaining three games and relying on their rivals losing a match.

This was not a vintage Ben Rhydding performance, hardly surprising given the importance of the fixture, and they could live to regret failing to equalise despite sustained second-half pressure.

Both sides started tentatively but it was the Ilkley side who found the goal first, as Sarah Male fired her side into the lead with an unstoppable rebound shot.

Typically this would have settled Ben Rhydding into their traditional flowing hockey.

However, Timperley rose to the occasion and enjoyed the majority of possession in the first-half, capitalising on some uncharacteristic errors from their visitors to equalise quickly. They soon took the lead as defensive confusion left two players unmarked to slot the ball past a stranded Vicky Prigg before half-time.

The second-half saw a much more confident Ben Rhydding side forcing their way into the opposing area on a number of occasions, piling on the pressure for the equaliser.

Despite a number of short corners, typically a Ben Rhydding strength, they failed to find the net as the Timperley goalkeeper had an outstanding game to keep her team's slender lead intact.

Timperley enjoyed few attacking moves towards the final quarter, as Ben Rhydding attacked in droves, supported by Ismay Macdonald from defence, who stepped up into the midfield to add an extra dimension to the attack.

A number of chances went begging, and Jackie Barrett's fine performance was unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal shortly before the whistle.

A dejected Ilkley side can only reflect on what might have been, but will now look positively to the last three games knowing that victories are imperative to keep the pressure on Timperley.

l On Saturday they are at home to third placed Chester (1.30pm at Ben Rhydding Sports Club).