Brooklands Poynton 3 Ben Rhydding 0

Ben Rhydding are still searching for their first KInvestec Women's Conference North win after their defeat at Manchester.

And they face a tough test on Saturday when they are at home to league leaders University of Durham (1.30pm).

Ben Rhydding found themselves under early pressure as the game started at a quick pace.

Excellent defence in the opening five minutes from Tanisha Janzen and Rachelle Le Bourdon, plus a great save from Jo Carpay meant they remained level.

Rhydding gradually found their feet and created some chances of their own.

A quick ball up the right from Jo Taylor created a good chance.

A strike by Laura Smith forced the keeper into a save but the attack was cleared by the Brooklands defence.

Play remained even with both sides creating chances.

Jodie Bridger showed a cool head at centre half and helped stave off the advancing Brooklands mid- field.

Gradually the home side’s superior fitness and experience at this level kicked in.

They began to push Rhydding back and started moving the ball much quicker than the visitors.

One of their many attacking penetrations into the D resulted in a penalty corner which was converted from a strike and deliberate deflection into the bottom corner of the goal.

Despite gritty running and tackling from Fran Holmes Brown and Jess Purvis on the left, Rhydding struggled to regain their structure.

The visitors came close to an equaliser just before half-time after Sarah Bell ran though into the D and won a penalty corner but forward Rachel Doherty narrowly missed, tipping the ball just wide of the far post.

Still only one goal behind everything was to play for.

Rhydding started the second half brightly. Play of the match Jen Wilson made a fantastic run from the halfway line and showed her strength by riding a few wayward tackles from the opposition.

She slipped the ball to Kate Hesketh who was free in the D. Her strike beat the keeper but shaved the outside of the post and another opportunity was wasted.

Once again Rhydding began to make mistakes giving away possession in attacking areas.

The Ilkley side dropped deeper into their own half as Brook- lands regained domination in midfield.

A quick strike from a Brooklands forward caught keeper Charlotte Smith off guard.

Although she got a her left pad to the ball it managed to cross the line for the home side’s second goal.

With confidence high Brook- lands continued to pile on the pressure and added a third goal from a skilful run into the D and pinpoint accurate shot into the bottom corner.

Rhydding's tired legs began to show but Helen Fisher found some space down the right wing and made some quick passes into space.

A few minutes from full-time Rhydding were awarded a penalty corner after some determined by Eleanor Trafford in midfield.

Once again they were denied by the strong defence, and a good save from Brooklands goalie.