Ben Rhydding played in the finals of the Yorkshire Cup with a semi-final clash against long time adversaries Harrogate. Ben Rhydding eventually ran out 3-2 winners.

The scores were level at 2-2 at the end of normal time and the golden goal rule came into effect with Rhydding scoring after two and a half minutes to seal a place in the final.

in the early exchanges, Harrogate took the lead with Mazar equalising for Ben Rhydding before Harrogate went ahead for a second time, this time to be equalised by Cutter in the second period. Rhydding dominated play and should have capitalised on numerous short corners before eventually Adair got the all important golden goal.

A final showdown with National League side Doncaster followed and unfortunately the exertions of the previous game proved too much for the young Rhydding side which is presently being moulded together prior to the start of the League season.

Doncaster took an early lead after some three minutes and by half-time were leading 3-0. The final scoreline of 5-0 somewhat flattered the National League team, as Rhydding, for some 20 minutes in the second half, dominated and should really have scored with open goals missed by a collection of players.

Nevertheless, a great deal was learned from the game, Ian Cousins, in particular, impressed the management with an outstanding display at the eart of the defence, and Ian Maggs in goal had a fine game with a string of superb saves.

A weakened Ben Rhydding side played Norton, last year's winners of the League, and again despite dominating long periods of the game, lost 2-1, Rhydding's goal coming from a Sutherland penalty flick.

This now completes Rhydding's pre-season fixtures and thanks must go to Robin Snook who continued in his role of manager through the period of september to ensure Rhydding got the level of opposition and competition required to prepare for what will surely be a momentous season.

The additional fitness campaign which Robert Whittaker has co-ordinated has further improved the preparation work and the team seems well equipped for the season ahead.

Providing the new players can gel together this should prove to be an interesting and exciting season for the Northern Premier side with National League aspirations.

BEN RHYDDING ll'S 3 LINCOLN 2

Following the disappointment of relegation last season the seconds started their Yorkshire Division One campaign with a hard-fought but well-deserved victory over Lincoln.

Hatfield opened the scoring against the run of play with a penalty flick but Lincoln levelled just before the break.

A well-worked short corner routine saw Logan score but again Lincoln levelled after poor discipline in defence.

A classy individual goal from Hatfield clinched victory. The tight defence of goalkeeper Williams, Green, Charters and Skinner ensured that Lincoln went home disappointed.

Ben Rhydding lll's 4 Huddersfield lll's 3

Ben Rhydding dominated the first-half with some excellent team performances culminating in four goals. William Musgrave, on his senior debut, swept a through ball into goal from the left wing. As a last minute replacement he was an inspired choice by Musgrave senior.

Strong play from Cabrell, Baker, Dawson and Stell combined for Baker to score the second. With Cabrell running the midfield so effectively allowed superb right-wing play between Radford and Stell to put Radford through at close range for the third. Baker then promptly scored his second.

The second-half saw Ben Rhydding begin strongly again but the increasingly stretched defence managed to let in three goals without reply. The close attention of Heaton kept the tally down and brought a well earned win.

Ben Rhydding went close with S Mounsey deflecting and Radford from a short corner after good approach play.

Badgers 2 Huddersfield 111's 0

Ben Rhydding Badgers comprised a mix of experience and youth with potential to advance and they recorded their second win of the season with a comfortable victory.

Despite having most of the possession Ben Rhydding found it difficult to break the Huddersfield rearguard with their goalkeeper in excellent form.

The 16 year-old Mark Dunsmore was the difference scoring a goal with an excellent reverse stick undercut high into the net.

In the second-half he added to his tally with a neat diversion into the corner of the goal following an excellent cross from the ever improving 14 year-old Alistair Mounsey.

The team, despite a lack of co-ordination at times, played well with Dunsmore the Booth's Man-of-the-Match.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.