Ben Rhydding 2 Formby 3

THIS was a great game of hockey that could have gone either way. Full flowing, fast possession from both sides with exactly the same number of circle entries, level at 2-2 at half time and a beautiful war in the second half.

Two similar fouls in each circle in the last few minutes of the clash, one drawing a penalty stroke, one not. Formby took the points on an eleventh hour penalty that was very nearly saved by Rhydding’s agile new keeper, Will Rutter.

Rhydding’s defence was outstanding throughout the match, beaten only by two stunning drag flicks from Formby’s star player, ex-international, Nick Giles.

Rhydding scored two excellent goals in the first half; Will Musgrave found Andy Harkins at the top of the circle who sold his opponent and slipped the ball to Kieran Borrett to slot past the keeper. The second was a well-worked corner dispatched by Musgrave.

Kieran Borrett, Andy Clemerson and Robert Ramsden were busy in the midfield throughout the game and kept the game short and tidy. Endless running from Max Helme and Hodson opened up space for Neil Sugden who offered on the overlap repeatedly.

Drakard did not put a foot wrong at the back and Connor Dowley and Danny Foster were very successful in their channelling and tackling against some really troublesome Formby players.

It was a heartbreaking end to the game for the home side but they cannot be unhappy with their performance.