BEN Rhydding under-10 boys’ produced a battling performance to finish second in the North Finals.
Their first group game was against eventual winners Deeside and they lost 4-0 with all the goals coming in the last six minutes despite a fine performance from goalkeeper Harvey Devenish-Meares.
Will Ogden scored two early goals to settle the team down in their second game against Preston. Will Bagshaw netted a third goal early in the second half before Gus Muirhead sealed a 4-0 win with a wonderful solo goal.
Nyan Cant was solid at the back with some great tackling, and Zak Buck’s distribution was flawless.
Ben Rhydding needed a victory in their final group game against Durham City to reach the semi-finals.
James Everett and Ewan Wardle impressed as Ogden struck the goal which secured a 1-0 victory.
Arch-rivals Slazengers were Ben Rhydding's opponents in the last four and the Ilkley side knew they had to get off to a quick start.
Ewan Wardle fired in an early goal from the top of the D and two further strikes from Muirhead secured a 3-0 win.
The final was against Deeside and a tactical change worked well as they went in at half-time level at 2-2.
Muirhead scored both his side's goals – one with an amazing chip and run.
Rhydding felt that Deeside's crucial third goal came from a blatant back stick which went unseen by the umpires. In the closing minutes they added another goal for a 4-2 win/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here