Timperley 2 Ben Rhydding 1

THIS was a critical game for both teams lying at the bottom of the North Premier League on the same points and unfortunately for Rhydding, losing 2-1 just as they did on they previous encounter, was tough to bear.

Superb, proactive defending from Myles Locke was responsible for setting Will Musgrave up early in the game and he delivered a remarkable goal over the stunned keeper’s head to put the visitors ahead.

Rhydding continued to look good with the frightening speed of Matty Bairstow up front, solid composure from Ross McMillan linking at the back with Connor Dowley who was a match for the chuck and run tactics that Timperley tried.

Rhydding had plenty of chances but even the cleverest of shots was denied by the agile Timperley keeper, and Max Helme’s soaring deflection over the bar was agonisingly close.

It was astonishing that Rhydding were not four or five goals up but Timperley scored an equaliser just two minutes before half-time with a deftly-taken first touch to pop the ball away. This was an untimely blow for Rhydding.

Neil Sugden lifted the team with a high-quality midfield performance but it was not enough to prevent a ragged spell from Rhydding whose loose play leaked a corner from which Timperley scored a spiked deflection.

Again, Rhydding came so close to scoring but the it just did not fall for them and with heavy hearts they had to accept defeat.