Ben Rhydding 5

Southport 2

Marc Gledhill is, or was, to the Rhydding Hockey Club what John Eales was to the Wallabies, what David Beckham is to Man United and what Sir Vivien Richards was to the all-conquering West Indies cricket side of the 1980s.

In a season that has seen Ben Rhydding come from fifth in the Northern Premier League to the top of the table, Gledhill has been worth his considerable weight in gold and has repaid the faith of manager Brian Kempson in his extraordinary ability.

The Rhydding left-back, who spent much of last season in the reserves, has been a phenomenon this year, holding together a young, inexperienced defence with his composure, strength and incredible eye for the ball.

Saturday's game against Premiership contenders Southport was no exception, and Gledhill, who this week moves to London to pursue a lifelong dream of joining the police force, will be sorely missed.

A classic Ben Rhydding penalty corner after seven minutes set the afternoon's proceedings off. Gledhill injected the ball to his back line compatriot Rick Harmer, who effortlessly delivered a through ball to goal scoring machine Dan Kelly who calmly finished from close range.

The opportunist Kelly then turned creator, as he converted a remarkable backstick goal from a difficult one-on-one with his opposite full-back.

Rhydding's relentless captain Brad King epitomised the team's spirit, professionalism and commitment. A delightful through ball from midfielder Stuart Haslam somehow found King deep in the circle.

Calmly beating the advancing 'keeper, King slapped the ball to the back of the net, making up for Rhydding's earlier slip-up in defence to give the home side a 3-1 lead at half-time.

However, Ben Rhydding's frailty in deep defence showed in the opening minutes of the second-half. To their credit Southport came out of their half-time huddle refreshed and committed to fight 'til the bitter end, and it was no surprise to see them peg back Rhydding's lead to 3-2 after a beautiful passing manoeuvre and deflected goal.

As has so often been the case this season though, Rhydding's firing squad up front crushed any hope of a Southport fight-back. Kelly fired a reverse-stick shot into the post, then just five minutes later was in the action again, combining superbly with his Aussie team mate Haslam, who deftly side-stepped the Southport 'keeper and finished calmly from a tight angle.

Haslam was in the action ten minutes later, beating two defenders on the left before laying off a neat pass to talented midfielder Andrew Parkes who brilliantly found the back of the net.

Ben Rhydding have now catapulted themselves to the top of the Northern Premiership table. A win this week will see them advance three points clear of their closest rivals Sheffield Bankers.

They will however sorely miss the strength and outstanding ability of champion defender Gledhill.