Ben Rhydding 0 Boots 0

Despite dominating for most of the game Rhydding failed to score in this bottom of the table clash and missed out on a much-needed first win.

From the first whistle the home side had the ball in their attacking half, putting the Boots defence under immense pressure.

Early chances at goal came from Laura Smith and Eleanor Trafford but the Boots keeper kept out both efforts.

The visitors, who had not previously won a single point, put ten players behind the ball which did not leave much space for Rhydding to play the ball around in the D.

As Boots dropped further back the Rhydding full backs Rachelle Le Bourdon and Tanisha Janzen pushed further up and controlled play. They transferred the ball with pace and accuracy.

More chances were created from Jodie Bridger and Jess Purvis but still the Boots defence held strong.

Continued attacking pressure from Rhydding resulted in a penalty flick by Rachel Doherty, but the keeper guessed the right way and pulled off another good save.

Boots made one or two flurries into the Rhydding D and were awarded a couple of penalty corners which kept the home defence and keeper on their toes.

The second half started much the same way but Boots did step it up a gear.

Sensing Rhydding’s frustration the visitors did not give up and left an attacker high upfield to take advantage of the space behind the defensive line.

This tactic was almost successful on more than one occasion when an early ball was sent forward.

A good save from keeper Jo Carpay and a few last-ditch tackles were required by both Janzen and Le Bourdon to prevent a goal against the run of play.

As time ticked on without a goal Rhydding began to get desperate and panicked a little as their passing became sloppy.

Despite this they continued to attack and they thought they had taken the lead in the 57th minute.

Sarah Bell drove into the D and shot, the ball rebounded off the keeper into the path of forward Laura Smith.

She smashed a shot into the back of the net, to cheers of relief from the team and the sideline.

Although the goal was initially given, strong protests from the opposition swayed the umpires and the goal was disallowed for an alleged foot infringement by a Rhydding player.

Two more penalty corners, a shot just wide from Kate Hesketh and a reverse stick strike from Rebecca Dallas just wouldn’t go over the line as the match ended in a dis- appointing goalless draw.

Rhydding have another relegation clash this Sunday away against fellow strugglers Doncaster.