Ben Rhydding Ladies 2

Leyland Motors 3

There was another disappointment in store for the luckless Ben Rhydding Ladies as they began in spirited mood despite missing three key players for this Northern Premier League match.

Their confidence of a win looked well founded in the first ten minutes as they put Leyland under relentless pressure and looked certain to score but could not turn possession into points.

Some unclear markings on the pitch were responsible for confusion by both teams during a brief Leyland breakaway, which led to a goal completely against the run of play.

Rhydding were utterly determined not to allow Leyland this unfair lead and replied with another period of quality possession which culminated in a well-deserved goal by Catherine French who connected with the ball under pressure at the top of the D with tremendous force.

Leyland got back into the game a little more now, making effective use of two or three of their very strong youngsters and scored a good goal from open play to re-claim the advantage.

A very dubious penalty flick was given against the unfortunate Clare Britcliffe in goal who came very near to saving it.

Rhydding came out fighting in the second-half determined not to let the game go and won a series of short corners. Demy Dowley stopping from very accurate injections by Melanie Thompson for Ismay MacDonald's lethal strike which came close twice and Catherine French's slip shot squeezed outside the post.

Jackie Goodwin was tireless in tracking back as well as galloping up in support up front and the welcome return of Rachel Doherty from injury was helpful.

In her brief 20 minute spell on the pitch she managed to get the slightest of touches on a great through ball from Ismay MacDonald to send the deflection soaring past the 'keeper. The ladies gave 110 per cent for the last ten minutes but time ran out and they were left with that all too familiar feeling of a "wrong result".

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