Ben Rhydding 1 , Bedford 1

Ben Rhydding Ladies claimed their first National League point with a hard fought draw against an experienced Bedford side on Saturday.

Aided by some vocal home support, Ben Rhydding were made to work from the outset, and put in a solid performance against a side who were third in Division Two last season.

Despite a strong start, Ben Rhydding failed to capitalise on some good early pressure and it was Bedford who took an early lead, slotting the ball home after what proved to be a rare lapse in concentration by the Ilkley defence.

The Yorkshire side rallied well with some fine attacking play from Melissa Reynard and young Karina Kilner, supporting frontrunners Rachel Doherty and Amy Askew with some timely passes.

Shortly before half-time Ben Rhydding claimed a well deserved equaliser through 15-year-old Askew, latching onto a Doherty cross to claim her first league goal.

Into the second-half and both sides pushed hard to take the lead, only thwarted by some excellent defending and goalkeeping.

For the home side Leanne Brook worked tirelessly with some timely tackling and creative attacking moves, ably supported by captain Ismay Macdonald who led by example throughout the match.

Goalkeeper Vicky Prigg was kept busy and produced some crucial saves to keep her side in the game as Bedford piled on the pressure in the latter stages.

Goalscoring opportunities are scarce at this level and Ben Rhydding can be proud of their attacking forays whilst under sustained pressure, which nearly allowed Doherty to claim the lead after leaving the defence stranded, only a fine save keeping the ball out of the net.

A confidence-boosting performance from the home side, as they quickly gain experience at this level to take into future games. Thanks go to Northern Pump Suppliers Limited, match sponsors for this fixture.

This weekend sees a break in the league programme and Ben Rhydding play hosts to Chester in a friendly fixture. (Ben Rhydding Sports Club, 3.00pm).

Under-12s

triumph

Ben Rhydding Boys Under-12 A team triumphed in the top division of the Yorkshire League at Leeds University.

They were pitted against teams from Halifax, Kirklees, Sheffield, Brigg and Ben Rhydding B team. Such is the strength and depth of Ben Rhydding they are able to field two competitive teams in the top Yorkshire League.

First up was the crunch game against the team that eventually finished second, a very useful outfit from Kirklees. The midfield of Harry Appleby, Patrick Smith and Connor Dowley stifled their creative play and dominated the game.

Some excellent moves down both flanks eventually saw Sam French cleverly slot the ball to the right of the 'keeper. The majority of the game was played in the Kirklees half but they were always dangerous on the breakaway but Steven Timperly and Alex Ickringill ensured there was no way through.

Struan Connor started where he finished last season tormenting defences and it took some excellent goal keeping denying him a hat-full of goals. Next up were Brigg and once again the team were dominant notching up three goals from Smith, French and Appleby. The next two games against Sheffield and Halifax required the specialist skills of James Colclough, the goalkeeper who managed five shut outs from five. Even if opposing players get past the defence it is very rare that they can get the ball past Colclough. Two 1-0 victories against this opposition meant that Ben Rhydding A were unlikely to lose the league.

Such is the determination of this side that only twice was the goal nearly breached and a superb backhand from Ickringill and a full length dive by French saved the day. Unfortunately the final game was against the side that really stifles their play, the Ben Rhydding B team. In an end to end affair the A team eventually overcame the B team by a single Appleby goal. This was a great start to what promises to be a strong season but they must continue to work as a team and their natural talent and competitiveness will see them succeed.