Liverpool 3 B Rhydding 3

Ben Rhydding Ladies clung on to their National League status by sharing the spoils with Liverpool.

There were fundamental adaptations made to the previously victorious team. Injury prevented Kate Richardson from assuming her midfield role but her replacement Helen Fisher was eager to keep the Liverpool attack at bay.

Both teams started averagely with little between them. It wasn't until Liverpool converted a short corner that the game ignited and diverted attention away from an otherwise dreary afternoon.

Leading by a solitary goal, Liverpool were quick to pounce upon a defensive error and execute a stunning deflection. It was only then that Rhydding began to claw back their goal deficit.

Straight from the whistle Selina Reidy dribbled into the opposing 25 where she was brutally challenged by the Liverpool defence. Ester Kejbeits was on hand with an unstoppable short corner strike, straight into the bottom corner.

At 2-1 down, Rhydding were dominating all areas. Ismay McDonald and Jodie Bridger worked impeccably in defence, spreading the ball out to the wings. Rachel Laycock adapted to her new midfield position with little difficulty and Fran Holmes was instrumental on the right. Melanie Scott engaged in an unstoppable run down the left wing crossing the ball to Reidy with inch perfect accuracy.

Reidy was left with little to do resulting in the side drawing level at half-time. Both sides were at stalemate for the majority of the second-half, until the Liverpool attack managed to force a third. At 3-2 down, with little time remaining, the single point required to stay in the National League gradually distanced itself from Ben Rhydding.

However, Sarah Male had not surrendered yet. Still giving 110 per cent, she recovered the ball in midfield and linked up beautifully with Reidy to draw the approaching defence. With a slick ball back to Male the defender was left with little option but to give away a penalty stroke. Under extreme pressure, Melissa Reynard stepped up to the penalty spot and confidently slotted the ball into the top right corner.

Liverpool played the remaining minutes camped in the Rhydding half. Strain on the defence was evident as a goal was disallowed and a promising flick appeal was overruled. Relieved to hear the final whistle, Rhydding proudly marched off the pitch with their National League status still intact.

They play their final league game at home against Chester.