Ben Rhydding 3, Rover Oxford 3

Ben Rhydding Ladies ultimately missed out on a deserved victory in this fixture, but not before they had come back from seeming defeat after being 3-0 down just 20 minutes into the match.

Despite a strong start in this National league play-off competition game Ben Rhydding failed to capitalise and were unlucky to concede a goal against the run of play, as Rover Oxford benefitted from a melee in the area to slot the ball home.

The Oxford side, fighting to stay in the National League via the play-offs, were determined to take the points from this match and seemed to have luck on their side as Ben Rhydding's Jo Skirrow missed the opportunity to equalise just a minute later as her penalty stroke was well saved.

Oxford soon increased their lead, as a lifted ball into the area was allowed by the umpire and another goal was scrambled home. Ben Rhydding deserved better, and were beginning to play some textbook hockey, Sarah Male and Kate Bradley enjoying the majority of the midfield possession.

It was Oxford, however, who must have thought they had sewn up the match as they went 3-0 up with a classic short corner strike which gave the 'keeper no chance.

Ben Rhydding were not about to capitulate, however, and now was the time to demonstrate to the vocal crowd why they had won the North Premier League and deserved something out of this crucial fixture.

Male, in fine form once again, latched onto a Catherine French cross before rounding her defender and thundering home a shot from the right to get her side back into the match.

Next up was young Amy Askew, making her debut in the first XI, and latching on to a loose ball in the area to fire home from close range just before the half-time whistle.

With everything to play for, the second-half belonged to Ben Rhydding. Cheered on by their enthusiastic supporters, they attacked in droves. Melanie Scott enjoyed an abundance of space down the right flank, working well with Jackie Barrett, who demonstrated sheer determination as she carried the ball half the length of the pitch, leaving three defenders in her wake.

Ismay Macdonald and Leanne Cashion enjoyed several fine runs from defence, as the Oxford side began to tire under the barrage of pressure.

Despite this, Ben Rhydding could not capitalise and earn an equaliser, as they saw several short corners go begging and some neat approach play thwarted by a lack of confidence in the area. It was Rachel Smith who finally provided the answer, firing home a short corner strike to score the equaliser which the Yorkshire side so richly deserved.

As Ben Rhydding piled on the pressure once again they threatened to take the lead for the first time in the match, but time was against them and they had to settle for a hard-earned draw.

The final round of playoff games are at Belle Vue, Manchester (the venue for the Commonwealth Games hockey tournament) next weekend. Ben Rhydding play on Saturday at 10am, Sunday at 2 pm and Mondayat noon.

Victory in the first game against Epsom is a priority to remain in contention for National League status, and Ben Rhydding look forward to some local support.