Ben Rhydding miss out as they slip to defeat

Ben Rhydding Ladies are still looking for their first National League win, after suffering defeat at the hands of Aldridge on Saturday.

The Ilkley side failed to capitalise on a number of goalscoring opportunities and were left reeling as their opponents demonstrated some clinical finishing to score three goals in just a handful of attacking forays before half-time.

Ben Rhydding enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges and were rewarded with a series of short corners which they were unlucky not to convert, Rachel Laycock in particular sending in a typically thunderous shot which was superbly saved off the line.

At this level goalscoring chances are rare, and the Yorkshire side must learn to make the most of these, as they saw their apparently best attacking game in the league so far go unrewarded with the goals that count.

Aldridge soaked up a barrage of pressure from the home midfield, Kate Bradley and Sarah Male making driving runs up the centre in support of Rachel Doherty and newcomer Catherine Sluter in attack.

As Ben Rhydding failed to convert their short corner opportunities into goals, they left themselves vulnerable on the break, and Aldridge were delighted to take the lead after one such opportunity.

The second goal soon followed, as a dubious penalty flick was slickly converted. Shortly before half-time Aldridge began to take control and when the third goal struck home on the half-time whistle it seemed to be all over for Ben Rhydding.

The Ilkley side were not about to capitulate and it is to their credit that they came out fighting in the second-half, determined to turn possession into goals. In the event more goal scoring opportunities went unrewarded. Leanne Brook soaked up continued pressure in the centre of defence and Laycock produced some timely tackles.

As in the first-half Aldridge again demonstrated their goalscoring superiority to seal the match as 'keeper Vicky Prigg was left stranded by a well taken strike.

Ben Rhydding will feel the 4-0 scoreline flatters their visitors and can take heart from a positive performance in which they enjoyed the majority of possession for periods of the game, although failed at scoring the goals that matter.