Ben Rhydding keep rivals at Bay to go fourth

BEN Rhydding moved up to joint fourth in the Investec Women's National League Conference North after winning a rough and physical match against their North East opponents.

The home side created the best of the chances in the first half, with many being saved by the visiting keeper. It wasn’t until the 27th minute that Rhydding converted a chance after good work by Rachel Doherty on the baseline which led to Laura Smith turning the ball home from close range.

The Whitley Bay defence was technically good and kept denying Rhydding the space in the circle they wanted to extend their lead. Whitley Bay created chances of their own through many penalty corners but could not convert any of them.

Rhydding remained calm and solid in their defence to gain all three points which moves them up to their highest position since winning promotion to Conference North.

Sunday saw the crowds roll in to support the ladies in their third round cup tie against visitors Oxford Hawks.

It was a well-fought game with both sides creating chances. Rebecca Dallas crossed a ball into the circle which Jo Ellis deflected just wide of the post.

The visitors took a 2-0 lead from two penalty corners. Rhydding converted a penalty corner of their own.

The Hawks goalkeeper made several saves after Tanisha Janzen had hit the post and the rebound came back to Jo Ellis whose shot was saved, but eventually the ball trickled over the line from Laura Smith.

Rhydding piled on the pressure in the remaining minutes to try force a draw to take it to penalty flicks, but it wasn’t to be.

Ben Rhydding travel to Kendal for a league match on the Sunday.