Musgrave hits hat-trick as Ben Rhydding earn draw with York

BEN Rhydding began their last game before the Christmas break in composed style as they kept the ball away from York for long spells and had several good goalscoring opportunities.

York were always dangerous on the break and caught Rhydding napping as they gained two corners in quick succession which they gratefully put away for a 2-0 lead.

Rhydding pulled themselves back into the contest with Callum Franks, highly influential throughout the game, slinging a ball into the circle which, York mishandled to give away a corner at a critical moment.

Will Musgrave made no mistake in delivering an unstoppable rocket to make it 2-1.

Musgrave struck again just before the half-time whistle with another beautiful corner and Rhydding went into the break level.

The game remained gridlocked for much of the second half with both teams mopping up the opposition's attacks.

Robert Ramsden was omnipresent in both denying circle entries for York and pushing second phase possession for Rhydding.

Giles Flatt won every tackle and Chris McSherry in goal made some significant saves.

Going forwards, Callum Franks initiated and supported much of the activity and the busy running of James Cutter and George Gamble in midfield gave Rhydding a spell of stunning hockey for the first part of the second half.

This did not yield any product and Rhydding fell back onto the back foot.

A string of corners for York inevitably led to one at being converted as they took the lead with just seven minutes to go. Coach, Demy Dowley took the keeper off and Rhydding took this opportunity to get men upfield to win a corner.

Musgrave slotted beautifully for his hat trick and clawed back a point for his team.

Rhydding will have been disappointed not have taken the win but can be glad to get another point on the table and leave themselves in a healthy position going into the break.