Neston 3 Ben Rhydding 4

BEN Rhydding recovered from 3-0 down to pull off a win which took the two points clear at the top of the Men's North League Division One.

The victory enabled them to displace Chester who lost 3-1 to Preston who visit Ben Rhydding on Saturday.

Ben Rhydding started hesitantly and missed their rock-solid full back Neil Sugden who normally commands affairs.

A poor press meant Neston got out easily from the back and this led to the opening goal.

The visitors continued to jog rather than sprint and inevitably conceded a corner which Will Rutter miraculously saved after two defenders were sent to the halfway line for breaking early.

Rhydding created chances but could not finish them off. Trying to build momentum, Rhydding played sloppy passes that Neston repeatedly intercepted.

Two excellent corner routines rewarded Neston with a pair of goals and they looked in control at 3-0 up.

However, Rhydding know they can come back from situations like this as they proved in the cup against Stockton.

They turned up the gas and young Matty Ramshaw got the bit between his teeth drawing a penalty stroke after being wiped out by a desperate defender and the goalkeeper.

Will Musgrave despatched it clinically and within minutes Matty Bairstow capitalised with an impressive second goal into the roof of the net.

Back in the game at 3-2, Rhydding finally began to play hockey. Struan Connor delivered the equaliser with great dexterity, dealing with a high ball and smashing it into the ground to score past the bewildered keeper.

Rhydding were unstoppable now. Matty Ramshaw popped a super ball into the circle for Connor to take a little touch and Musgrave was able to apply the finishing touch.

While Rhydding can reflect on a poor first half they must take solace from the remarkable comeback they executed to win the game.