Ben Rhydding 6 Lancaster & Morecambe 1

IT was a happy start to the new Year for Ben Rhydding as they began in sharp form and defeated the only team to have beaten them in the Men's North Division One this season.Ben Rhydding were determined to set the record straight and Will Musgrave set the tone with a signature goal to open the scoring.

Rhydding struggled to keep their footing on a very slippery pitch but still maintained good momentum for the majority of the game.

Ross McMillan was highly influential again, turning defence into attack and connecting with Elliot Dowley who turned Morecambe’s defence inside out when he was on the ball near the circle.

He started the move which saw Musgrave pop an easy ball across for the powerful Mark Portnell to score the second goal.

Musgrave made it 3-0 with a beautiful corner delivery and Rhydding looked to be in complete control as they went into the break.

However, a dip in performance levels meant they wobbled for about ten minutes as they started the second half.

Excellent corner defence kept them in the game until even the brave Neil Sugden was unable to get behind a well-placed corner that gave Morecambe a glimmer of hope.

Stirling midfield work from Robert Ramsden kept the flow of the game positive for Rhydding and they began to threaten the circle again.

Musgrave triggered the final onslaught with a fizzing corner that saw the keeper hardly move and gave a 4-1 lead to his team.

Connor Dowley repeated this with a stunning goal from another corner. Robert Ramsden again, kept pushing his side forward, not content with the margin.

He persistently attacked from the midfield and found his reward, driving the base line and giving a good early ball to Connor Dowley who delivered an impressive shot to make it 6-1.

This puts Rhydding six points clear at the top of the league, with a game in hand.