Draw for Ben Rhydding ladies (From Ilkley Gazette)

Draw for Ben Rhydding ladies

6:34pm Wednesday 27th January 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share

Wakefield 1 B Rhydding lls 1

Ben Rhydding Ladies’ second team were disappointed not to claim maximum points from this hardworking encounter against a typically strong Wakefield side. Rhydding started brightly enough, passing the ball around confidently and enjoying the bulk of possession without converting their superiority into clear cut chances. Melissa Reynard and Julie Guest took control of the central midfield, distributing the ball well to both wings. Melanie Scott and Anne Bright in turn created space to drive the ball down the flanks, ably supported by Jackie Laycock and Emma Manchester. The final ball into the area lacked penetration, however, as Rhydding’s forwards, Sarah Whitehead and Rachel Till, were too often left with too much work to do to create genuine scoring opportunities. A number of short corners went unconverted, the lack of recent practice due to snow evident from too many unforced errors. Nevertheless, Rhydding continued to press, giving Wakefield few openings. The breakthrough finally came early in the second-half as Reynard’s short corner strike slid past an outstretched ’keeper at the far post. Despite continued attacks, Rhydding failed to break Wakefield’s defence again. For the majority of the game Rhydding dealt capably with their hosts’ attacking forays, Raine Ellis and Jo Skirrow solid in defence, stepping in with crucial tackles and calmly clearing the ball to the flanks.

Just as it seemed Rhydding might hold on for a narrow victory, Wakefield struck back, a lucky deflection in the area hitting a Rhydding foot and resulting in a penalty stroke which was duly converted. The draw rewarded Wakefield for some stalwart defending which allowed Rhydding possession but few real scoring opportunities. Next week sees the Ilkley side host visitors Doncaster Seconds (3pm, Ben Rhydding Sports Club).

• Print
• Email
• Share