Ben Rhydding 6 Gateshead 2

This was a huge three points for Ben Rhydding which take them further away from the Men's North Premier Division relegation zone. It was good to see them scoring goals and getting rewarded for their good build up play.

They went ahead with an early goal. Will Musgrave broke into the circle before popping the ball across the face of goal for Ali Jordan to tap in.

Rhydding continued to play beautiful hockey with Andy Clemerson, Kieran Borrett and Neil Sugden impressive in midfield.

The forwards worked hard and George Sweeting was quick to slow Gateshead down on the break.

A flurry of Gateshead corners gave Dave Carter the chance to exhibit his excellence in goal, but even he couldn’t stop the excellent drag flick that put the visitors back in the game.

Superb defending from Sugden enabled him to pick up loose possession to get his side moving once again. Some slick possession enabled Ben Rhydding to edge ahead.

Musgrave was again the provider, tipping a ball off the back line to Sweeting who gratefully converted an easy goal.

Next up was Alex White who scored what must be the goal of season and certainly of his life. A perfect sliding deflection onto a Musgrave ball, sent it arcing over the head of the keeper to make it 3-1.

Goal number four came soon after. Connor Dowley sent a well-timed aerial pass to his brother, Elliot who picked the perfect moment and angle to reverse cross the ball to Sweeting who scored again.

However, a poor patch just before the break saw Rhydding concede corners and a second goal. Rhydding looked nervous as they started the second half.

They turned the ball over carelessly and it was only the genius of Carter that prevented a serious early comeback from Gateshead. Rhydding found their tempo again and Sweeting was able to repay Musgrave with an early cross for a straight forward tap in.

The last word was Rhydding’s as they built the play beautifully from the back. Several in to out passes ended with Clemerson selflessly passing the ball to give Sweeting his hat-trick. It sealed a good win although the performance did have its dodgy spells.

Rhydding visit Alderley Edge this Saturday and will be hoping to continue their momentum.