Ben Rhydding Ladies 3, Driffield Ladies 0

Ben Rhydding Ladies maintained top spot in the Northern Premier League with an emphatic, if unconvincing, victory against visiting Driffield. After a lengthy break from league fixtures the Ilkley side were unable to quite hit top form against opponents who successfully thwarted attempts at free-flowing hockey.

Ben Rhydding took an early lead as Melissa Reynard capitalised on a fine break to slip the ball home from a tight angle and it looked as if the home side might cruise to victory. Driffield had other ideas, however, and made several attacking forays of their own, whilst preventing the Ilkley midfield from getting into top gear.

Despite this, Rhydding worked hard to gain control of the game and it was Reynard who put her side further into the lead after a well-worked attacking move, latching onto a Doherty pass.

The home defence dealt capably with Driffield attacks and Leanne Brook displayed no lack of match practice as she controlled the centre defence with a fine performance. Young Vicky Prigg in goal was pleased to record a clean sheet, thanks to a number of fine saves.

Into the second-half and it was Catherine French who sealed the game with a typically thunderous short corner strike which gave the visiting 'keeper no chance.

l On Saturday Ben Rhydding visit Wigan knowing that once again victory is crucial to maintain top spot in the league.

P W D L F A Df Pts

Ben Rhydding ......10 9 0 1 46 17 29 27

Timperley..............10 9 0 1 30 13 17 27

Chester.................10 7 1 2 21 14 7 22

Blackburn N..........10 6 0 4 24 17 7 18

Driffield.................10 5 0 5 20 26 -6 15

City of York...........10 3 4 3 15 17 -2 12

Whitley Bay...........10 3 2 5 16 23 -7 11

Roseberry.............10 2 1 7 13 21 -8 7

Colne Valley..........10 1 2 7 17 37 -20 5

Wigan...................10 0 1 9 10 27 -17 1