Ben Rhydding 8 Preston 2nds 0

BEN Rhydding strengthened their hold on top spot in the North Men's League Division One with an emphatic home win.

They swept their opponents aside with a magnificent display of stunning hockey which reflected their growing maturity as a team.

Rhydding opened the scoring with a clinical corner from Will Musgrave and followed up with a counter-attack goal of the highest quality.

Quick-thinking Connor Dowley hit a great ball through to Mark Portnell who found the fast arriving Musgrave.

He sent a perfect pass into space for Struan Connor who slid the ball past the keeper.

The lead was extended when Elliot Dowley won the ball in midfield and linked with Connor who set up Musgrave for a tap in at the far post.

Connor made it 4-0 after Matty Ramshaw's accurate pass gave him the chance to beat the keeper.

Danny Foster made good interceptions throughout the game and looked composed with Neil Sugden at the back. It was Foster who initiated the fifth goal, intercepting and delivering the ball to Ramshaw who created an opening for Musgrave to fire in a shot which Connor deflected into the net.

It was another Foster interception that led to goal number six. Matty Bairstow threaded a lovely pass through to Connor who delivered a stunning shot into the top corner to complete his hat-trick.

The final two goals were both scored by Ramshaw. The first came after a strong carry by Musgrave and a pass by Elliot Dowley, while the second was an easy tap in after good work by Bairstow.

The seventh was a heavenly goal; Musgrave carrying strong and offloading to Elliot Dowley who slotted to the far post for Matty Ramshaw to slide in and deflect. To make the last tally 8-0, Matty Bairstow set up Ramshaw for an easy tap in and the home side completed a sparkling performance with conviction.