Preston 0 Ben Rhydding 0

This was a huge point for Ben Rhydding as they held Preston to a goalless draw away from home.

The hosts, having come down from the National Conference, have aspirations to bounce back up, but their campaign is not going to plan and Rhydding have denied them any further hope.

Ben Rhydding showed flawless defence throughout the match and this was topped off with a staggering performance in goal by 16-year-old Cam Herbert.

The patient play and inter- changing of Callum Connor, Dave Exley, Connor Dowley and Ali Jordan enabled them to soak up the relentless onslaught of the Preston attack.

The quartet repeatedly got out of trouble by finding short connections with Neil Sugden and Kieran Borrett, wide connections with George Sweeting and Alex White and long connections from powerful sling balls and chances over the top.

Things at the other end of the pitch were not so healthy. Ben Rhydding had only five circle entries over the entire first half so they knew if they were to get ahead it was going to be a smash and grab raid.

Rhydding started the second half hard and drew an impressive save from the Preston keeper as the home side began to look uncomfortable. Play switched as Rhydding took the fight to their opponents.

Herbert, the youngest player in the team, was then given a chance to show his ability when Preston were controversially awarded a penalty stroke. He reacted like lightning and stopped the ball in a flash of brilliance. Preston could hardly believe it and must have realised their chances of victory were slipping away.

Rhydding were lifted by Herbert’ save and looked as though they might just snatch the game.

The indefatigable Musgrave went agonisingly close with a great shot forcing the Preston keeper to make an amazing save. to Preston’s tackling became reckless but it was the Rhydding players that got sent off and it seemed like all the odds were against them. Preston had a late flurry whilst Rhydding were down to nine men but Herbert made a string of astonishing saves and clearances.

This was a unified, solid and disciplined performance from Rhydding that bodes well for the games ahead of them.

A huge clash is coming up this Saturday against Leeds Gryphons at home at 3pm.