Chester 2 Ben Rhydding Ladies 6

BEN Rhydding Ladies Hockey Club enjoyed a confidence boosting victory over opposition from a higher league.

Despite conceding an early goal, Ben Rhydding largely controlled the game and levelled matters through Katie Hawke.

The visitors took the lead when Melanie Thompson intercepted a Chester pass and slipped the ball past the keeper.

Ben Rhydding's squad has been strengthened by three new signings this season: Rachel Doherty (former England Under-21 international) and Izmay MacDonald from Blackburn and Melissa Reynard from Harrogate.

All three contributed to the victory and it was Doherty who showed her class with a superb hat trick which put the game beyond Chester.

The home side could not find an answer to the form which saw her cut through the defence on numerous occasions, giving the keeper no chance. Sweeper Gemma Marshall had a fine game, making several threatening attacking runs which resulted in a well deserved goal.

Jo Wilson returned from injury to strengthen the midfield and Jackie Goodwin worked tirelessly in support of the front runners. Jackie Barrett, Dot Mainwaring and Mel Gough ably controlled the defence. Keeper Clare Britcliffe had little to trouble her, but stepped in with a crucial one-on-one save to prevent Chester getting back into the game.

The home side pulled a goal back in the dying minutes but a Ben Rhydding victory was already secured.

Ben Rhydding's league programme starts on October 3 with a visit to Whitley Bay. After narrowly missing out on promotion last year the squad have high hopes for the new season under the leadership of Mel Gough (captain), Pam Gibson (manager) and Jane Leigh (coach).

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