Colne Valley 1 Ben Rhydding Ladies 8

This week Ben Rhydding Ladies travelled to Huddersfield for the last league game before the Christmas break.

Ben Rhydding could have blamed their slow and congested journey on their rather mediocre first-half performance but it would be fair to say Colne Valley took the first-half to Ben Rhydding doing their best to stifle the usuallly smooth play of the Wharfedale side.

Ben Rhydding possibly thought it would be plain sailing when Rachael Doherty coolly put away the first goal in just 32 seconds from the start, and Jo Ellis converted a well worked corner shortly after.

However, Colne Valley fought back with some determined play pulling a goal back prior to half-time.

The home side began the second-half with gusto and at times made it

difficult for the Ben Rhydding side to take control of the game.

Doherty extended the lead with her second goal and pressure began to ease. The game could have turned when Colne Valley were awarded a penalty flick following a strong challenge by the Ben Rhydding 'keeper, Priggy, on Colne Valley's young centre-forward.

Fortunatley the 'keeper made a good and crucial save.

Following strong Scottish words from Captain Issy MacDonald Ben Rhydding stepped up a gear and began to play some of the slick and expert hockey they are beginning to become famous for this season.

Further goals were scored by Jo Ellis who notched up her third hat-trick in consecutive weeks, Catherine French thundered the ball home and Melissa Reynard put away two fine goals to take the final score to 8-1 to Ben Rhydding.

In the end the Ben Rhydding Ladies comfortably secured the points but clearly missed the inspirational words of their manager Pam Gibson who could not make the game.

At the half way point in the season Ben Rhydding are at the top of the Northern Premier League on goal difference. They should enjoy the braek but need to be careful they do not indulge in the Christmas festivities too much.

Ipswich Ladies 7 Ben Rhydding Ladies 2

Ben Rhydding Ladies travelled away to the cup holders in this national competition, in a match comparable with a Guiseley FC vs Arsenal fixture.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, and a depleted squad due to unavailability, the Yorkshire team can be proud of their performance against a side full of current and ex-Internationals.

Ben Rhydding had a 5am start for their trip to East Anglia but showed no signs of fatigue in a hectic match. Indeed it was Ben Rhydding who enjoyed good possession during the opening exchanges, demonstrating to Ipswich that they were going to be no walkover.

Newcomer Kate Bradley, newly arrived from Australia, settled well into a central midfield role, and along with fellow midfielders Sarah Male, Melanie Scott and Melissa Reynard, worked tirelessly to keep Ipswich at bay.

Vicky Prigg in the away goal was always going to have a busy day, and was soon called upon to make the first of many fine saves.

Ben Rhydding played a disciplined first half, creating several chances of their own, before Ipswich demonstrated why they are among the elite in the country with some clinical finishing which saw them bag three goals by half-time.

The second-half saw the Yorkshire side grow in confidence and young Karina Kilner, just 15 years-old, showed her promise with a fine performance against seasoned internationals. Rachel Doherty and Jo Ellis began to cause havoc in attack, and the Ipswich defence was caught in disarray as Doherty claimed two goals.

The first from some fine build-up play from Ellis and Reynard, with the second soon following, a solo effort which saw her beat three defenders before rounding the 'keeper to slot the ball home.

Ipswich suddenly had a game on their hands, but also the advantage of an abundance of substitutes. The Yorkshire defence of Ismay MacDonald, Vicky Winters, Jackie Barrett and Leanne Brook all contributed with some timely tackles and distribution to the midfield.

Ben Rhydding kept up the work rate but with tiring legs could not keep Ipswich out any longer, and the game was sealed in the final quarter with some well-taken goals.

A performance the Ilkley side will remember, an enjoyable fixture against the national cup holders.